Introduction > Services > Confidentiality > Filing > Amendments > Conference Reports

Bill-Drafting Services

Although some legislation derives from interim legislative studies, most bills and resolutions are drafted at the request of individual legislators.

As soon as a drafting request is received, a legislative drafting number is assigned, key information is logged into the Division's computerized internal bill tracking system, and the request is communicated to the appropriate section for drafting. The legislation is drafted either by an attorney or an experienced research associate within the section, using the Division's fully computerized bill drafting process. If the bill is not initially drafted by an attorney, it must be substantively evaluated and checked for legal accuracy by an attorney. After drafting, the bill goes through a quality control and proofreading process. The bill product is then given a final check by the draftsman and reviewed by the section supervisor. Sufficient copies are made and one copy is put in covers for introduction. The color of the covers indicates the following:

Buff/Yellow

The legislation was drafted by staff of the Division or the draft submitted has been thoroughly reviewed by Division staff, and in either instance found to be legally correct and in conformance with existing laws of the Commonwealth.

Blue

The legislation was not drafted or checked for legal accuracy and conformance by the staff of the Division or sufficient latitude was not given to the staff in drafting to ensure legal sufficiency and conformance.

Gray

In the opinion of the Director and at least two other Division attorneys, the legislation contains a substantial state or federal constitutional problem.

Once the process is complete, the bill is either mailed to the patron, delivered to the member's legislative office in the General Assembly Building, or picked up by the member or the member's aide at the receptionist's desk in the Division's office.

Introduction > Services > Confidentiality > Filing > Amendments > Conference Reports