whatisa bill

A “bill” is a formal written proposal to create a new law or change an existing one; it only becomes law after it passes all required votes and receives final approval (like presidential or royal assent).

What is a bill?

In everyday legal and political language, a bill is the draft form of a law. It is introduced in a legislature (like a parliament or congress), debated, possibly amended, and voted on. If it passes all stages and gets the required formal approval from the head of state or equivalent authority, it becomes an “act” or “statute” (that is, a law that is in force).

There are other uses of the word “bill” too: it can mean a written statement of money owed (like a restaurant bill) or certain types of legal pleadings, but in politics and news, people almost always mean a proposed law.

How a bill becomes a law (in simple steps)

The exact steps vary by country, but the journey is similar in many democracies.

1. A member of the legislature (or the government) drafts a bill, turning a policy idea into formal text.

2. The bill is introduced in one chamber (for example, the House of Representatives, Senate, House of Commons).

3. Legislators debate the bill, send it to committee for detailed study, and may change (amend) its wording.

4. The chamber votes; if it passes, the bill usually goes to the other chamber for a similar process.

5. Once both chambers pass the same version, it is sent for final approval (such as a president’s signature or royal assent).

6. After that final approval, the bill is no longer called a bill – it is now an act or statute and becomes enforceable law.

An easy way to remember it: idea → bill (proposal) → debate and votes → law (act/statute). Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.