There are five sections to
a Bill
Section I: Purpose
of the Bill
What is the main idea
of your Bill. One a sentence or two is needed for this section
Section II: Explanation
of Bill
Here you explain your reasoning
behind your Bill. Also include statistics or hard facts here if you
have them (facts hold up good in committee). This section should
be a short paragraph or two long.
Section III: Funding for the
Bill
This section is crucial. Your Bill must
have adequate and feasible funding or it will most likely be tabled
in committee.
Section IV: Penalties for noncompliance
If the bill is not followed
what are the penalties. The penalty must be feasible and justifiable.
Section V: Effect
When does your bill come into effect? Usually after being signed
up the governor and adequate time
has been given to ensure everyone can comply with the bill.
In committee, Bills will be defeated
or tabled for reasons such as these:
1. Vague, unclear ideas
2. No plan to finance the cost
of a project, if necessary
3. No provisions for penalties
for disobeying the new law.
4. Subject matter not in the
jurisdiction of the State of Wisconsin
5. Bills not following the
Official Bill Format (see sample
bill )
Remember, if a Bill is very debatable (controversial) it will most likely be ranked higher; hence has a better chance of being debated on the floor.