1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Women in Business

Glossary of Legislative Terms - What is a Bill?

By Lahle Wolfe, About.com

Definition: In the legislative process, a bill is proposal that is the first step in creating a new law. Every bill is assigned a unique number that either begins with "HR" (to show the bill started in the House of Representatives) or "S" (to show it originated in the Senate).

Most bills never become law. To become a law, a bill must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate and then approved by the President.

Back to Main Glossary of Legislative Terms

Explore Women in Business
About.com Special Features

Start your new business on the right foot with these helpful tips. More >

Easy steps to take control of your credit card debt. More >

  1. Home
  2. Business & Finance
  3. Women in Business
  4. Business Law & Insurance
  5. Business & Legal Glossary
  6. Legislative Terms Glossary
  7. Glossary of Legislative Terms - What is a Bill?

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.