In the House only, on next legislative day, Clerk reads bill's title (2d reading) in chamber, although actual bill is now in committee. In Senate, 2d reading comes after bill is reported favorably from committee.

On legislative day after filing, bill is formally introduced. In chamber, bill's title is read during period of 1st readings.

Once presiding officer calls bill up from Rules Calendar, Clerk reads bill's title (3d reading). Bill is now ready for floor debate, amendments, and voting.

Immediately after 1st reading, presiding officer assigns bill to a standing committee.

Legislator sees the need for a new law or changes in existing law and decides to introduce a bill.

Legislator files bill with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate.

For the last 30 days of session in House (25 days in Senate), presiding officer calls up bills, from the Rules Calendar for floor consideration.

Act and other laws enacted at the session are printed in the Georgia Laws series. Also, act is incorporated into the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

Act becomes effective the following July 1, unless a different effective date is provided in act.

Clerk or Secretary prepares a General Calendar of bills favorably reported from committee. For first 10 days of session in House (15 days in the Senate) presiding officer calls up bills from this calendar for floor action.

Bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor (if requested). Otherwise, all enrolled bills sent to Governor following adjournment sine die.

If second house passes bill, it is returned to house where bill was introduced. If changes are accepted,...

Bill is reported favorably by committee and returned to Clerk or Secretary.

Legislator goes to Office of Legislative Counsel. There, attorney advises legislator on legal issues and drafts a bill.

Starting with 10th day of session in House (15th day in Senate), the Rules Committee meets and from bills on General Calendar prepares a Rules Calendar for the next day's floor consideration.

Bill considered by committee. Author and other legislators may testify. If controversial, public hearings may be held.

Governor may sign bill or do nothing, and bill becomes law. Governor may veto bill, which requires two-thirds of members of each house to override.

After debate, main question is called and members vote. If bill is approved by majority of total membership of that house, it is sent to the other house.