As an example of the state legislative process, here is a flowchart showing how a bill becomes a law in Louisiana. (reproduced from the Louisiana House of Representatives web site with permission.)
Effective legislative advocacy requires practical and realistic consideration of (a) both the political and the legal elements of the legislative process, and (b) how the results of the legislative process will be interpreted by courts and regulatory agencies.
Legislative procedures and legislative instruments are subject to constitutional requirements, statutes and procedural rules, case law, and established precedents and customs. These requirements directly affect both the substance and form of legislation, and also the political process and outcome by which legislation is adopted, amended, or defeated.
Regardless of merit, the failure to adhere to constitutional requirements may subject legislation, or regulation resulting from such legislation, to claims of invalidity.
Additional information about the legislative process is discussed on my Overview page.
