Laid Over: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Impact

Definition & Meaning

"Laid over" refers to a legislative procedure where the consideration of an amended bill is postponed for one legislative day. This action allows lawmakers additional time to review the amendments before voting on the bill. It is a common practice in legislative bodies to ensure thorough examination and discussion of proposed changes.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A state assembly proposes an amendment to a public health bill. The committee decides to lay over the bill for one day to allow members to review the changes before the vote.

Example 2: A city council receives an amended zoning ordinance. They choose to lay over the discussion for a week to gather community feedback before making a decision. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Laid Over Procedure
California Allows for multiple layovers based on committee discretion.
Texas Typically allows only one layover before a vote must occur.

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

Comparison with related terms

Term Description
Postponed A broader term that can refer to delaying any legislative action, not just bills.
Tabled Refers to setting aside a bill indefinitely, rather than postponing it for a specific time.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a legislative process and encounter the term "laid over," consider the following steps:

  • Review the amendments carefully to understand the changes being proposed.
  • Engage with your legislative representatives to express your views on the amendments.
  • Explore resources like US Legal Forms for templates that can help you draft comments or position papers related to the bill.
  • If the situation is complex, consider seeking professional legal advice.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Duration of Layover One legislative day
Common Legal Areas Civil law, administrative law
Notification Required Yes, to all legislative members

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It means that the consideration of the bill is postponed for further review, typically for one legislative day.