What is a Bill Number? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A bill number is a unique identifier assigned to a proposed piece of legislation when it is introduced in the legislative process. This number is typically assigned by the President of the Senate or the Chief Clerk of the House. The bill retains this number even if it is passed to the opposite chamber for consideration.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, if a bill concerning education reform is introduced in the House of Representatives and assigned the number HB 1234, it will retain this number if it is later sent to the Senate for consideration. This allows legislators and the public to easily follow the bill's progress.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Bill A proposed law presented for debate. A bill number is a specific identifier for a bill.
Resolution A formal expression of opinion or intention. Resolutions may not have a bill number if they are not legislative proposals.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are tracking a bill or need to understand its legislative journey, start by noting its bill number. You can find updates and related documents through official legislative websites. For those looking to engage with the legislative process, consider using US Legal Forms to access templates that can help you draft or respond to legislative proposals. If you require assistance, consulting a legal professional may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Bill numbers are assigned at the introduction of the bill.
  • They are used to track legislation through the legislative process.
  • Bill numbers remain the same when a bill moves between chambers.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The bill number remains the same, regardless of amendments made to the bill.