Chapter Number: What It Means in the Legislative Process

Definition & meaning

A chapter number is a unique identifier assigned to a bill by the secretary of state after it has been signed into law by the governor. This number is typically issued in the order that the bills are signed, allowing for easy tracking and reference of legislation.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A bill concerning environmental regulations is signed by the governor on March 1. It is assigned the chapter number 2023-1.

Example 2: A healthcare reform bill is signed on April 15, receiving the chapter number 2023-2. This allows citizens and officials to easily reference the law in discussions and documents.

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Chapter Numbering System
California Uses a sequential numbering system for each legislative session.
New York Assigns chapter numbers based on the year and session of the legislature.
Texas Follows a similar sequential system but includes additional identifiers for different types of legislation.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Bill A proposed law presented for debate and approval. A bill becomes a chapter number only after it is signed into law.
Law A rule established by a governing authority. A law is the final result after a bill is signed and assigned a chapter number.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to reference a specific bill or chapter number, ensure you have the correct number and year. You can find this information through state legislative websites or legal resources. For managing related documents, consider using US Legal Forms for templates that can help you navigate the process. If your situation is complex, seeking professional legal assistance may be beneficial.

Quick facts

  • Chapter numbers are assigned by the secretary of state.
  • They help track and reference legislation.
  • Assigned in the order bills are signed into law.

Key takeaways