Bill v. Resolution: What the People Need to Know
Jan 9th, 2012
Bill v. Resolution: What the People Need to Know
NCICL
Jeanette Doran
January 9, 2012
Bills and resolutions differ in terms of both substance and procedure. Below is a table highlighting the major differences between a “bill” and a “resolution”.
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Bill |
Resolution |
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Procedure at General Assembly |
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|
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Must pass both chambers? |
Yes |
No, unless a joint resolution |
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May pass only Senate to be effective? |
No |
Yes, unless a joint resolution |
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May pass only House to be effective? |
No |
Yes, unless a joint resolution |
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|
|
|
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Involvement of Governor |
|
|
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Presented to Governor for approval? |
Yes |
No |
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Becomes law when signed by Governor? |
Yes[1] |
No |
|
May be vetoed by Governor? |
Yes[2] |
No |
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|
|
|
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Effectiveness and Use |
|
|
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Must be signed by Governor to become effective? |
Yes[3] |
No |
|
Continues until repealed or amended by law? |
Yes |
No, a resolution has no life after the term of the session in which it is adopted. |
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Uses? |
Create laws |
Adjourn General Assembly |
|
|
Appropriate funds |
Honor persons, often deceased persons |
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Raise revenue[4] |
Create study commissions |
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[1] A Bill not signed or vetoed within 10 days becomes law as if signed by the Governor. Art. II § 22(7)
[2] Certain types of bills may not be vetoed by the Governor. See Art. II § 22 (2)-(6).
[3] See footnote 1 above. Also, vetoed bills may become law if the General Assembly overrides the veto with a three-fifths majority. Art. II § 22(1).
[4] Revenue bills must satisfy additional requirements pursuant to Art. II § 23.