Delegates are responsible for telling the Colorado Legislature what is important to the people they represent. Bill writing can present a great opportunity to discuss big issues and create new laws that can improve the state of Colorado. Keep in mind all the issues that face our state, bills
must allow people the rights set out in the U.S. and Colorado Constitution and federal law will typically “trump” state action. Make sure to do your research and utilize as many resources as you can. Delegates should be prepared to have something to say about their bills. They may be
called upon to speak to your Committee, your Chamber and possibly the Supreme Court.
Writing Legislation
- Researching legislation – it is a good idea to look at some examples of bills presented in the Colorado General Assembly
- Choose your topic:
Remember: You are writing legislation for the state of Colorado, so be sure to deal with state issues and the Colorado Constitution. Examples include: State income taxes, Implementing testing and education standards, State parks, forests & monuments, and their public use, State prisons, State drug laws (*typically overruled by federal drug laws), Gun Laws, Job creation, Transportation, Rehabilitation programs, Environmental & Safety regulation, Licensing, General Zoning requirements, Tax breaks & incentives. Constitutional amendments require a statewide vote.
- Research your topic
- Write your bill – You will need all sections of the bill
Required Sections for Bills
- Section 1: Definitions
Define any words that might cause confusion - Section 2: Purpose
Explain why you are writing this bill - Section 3: Provisions
This is what you will require in your new law; what will happen - Section 4: Penalty Clause
What will happen if someone doesn’t follow your law? - Section 5: Appropriations Clause
How will you pay for your new law? - Section 6: Enactment Clause
When will your law go into effect? - Section 7: Safety Clause
As required by the Colorado Constitution, the wording of this section must state that the bill is “necessary for the preservation of public health, peace and safety.”
If one of these sections is not needed for your bill, simply write that it does not apply.
All Sections are required.
Each line after the first line must be numbered – See bill format below.
BILL FORMAT
YMCA Colorado Youth in Government Program
Model Legislature
(Double Space)
S.B.__________
(Double Space)
H.B.__________
(Double Space)
Sponsored By: (Name of Student, School and Advisors Initials)
(Double Space)
Committee Action: ______________________________________
(Double Space)
AN ACT TO: (Title should be typed in all capital letters)
Every law should embrace only one subject and that should be expressed in the title. Make the title as concise as possible, but broad enough to clearly indicate the scope of the bill.
(Double Space)
Be it enacted by the 2017 YMCA Model Legislature of the State of Colorado
(Double Space)
Section 1. Definitions In complete sentences, define any word or phrase used in your title
(2) which might be subject to confusion or result in unnecessary debate.
(Double Space)
Section 2. Purpose The purpose simply explains why you consider the bill necessary.
(Double Space)
Section 3. Provisions this is the most important part of your bill. In complete sentences, you
(2) need to explain exactly what you want to happen and how. The provisions should implement
(3) the intent of the bill's sponsor. The law should be written in the present tense.
(Double Space)
Section 4. Penalty Clause This clause is necessary if your bill makes something illegal.
(2) Crimes are classed into two major categories: felonies and misdemeanors. A crime is a
(3) felony if so designated by law or if it is punishable by imprisonment for one year or more. A
(4) crime is a misdemeanor if so designated by law or if it is punishable by imprisonment for
(5) less than one year.
(Double Space)
Section 5. Appropriations Clause This clause is necessary if your bill requires the
(2) expenditure of money. If the appropriations of money is coming from an existing state fund,
(3) specify:
(4) a. The amount of money to be appropriated.
(5) b. The fund from which the appropriation will be made.
(6) c. The agency or fund to which the money is to be allocated.
(7) If the appropriations of money is coming from receipts of a special tax or fee or other
(8) earmarked source of revenue, specify:
(9) a. The fees, special tax or other revenue source
(10) b. The agency or fund to which the receipts are appropriated.
(Double Space)
Section 6. Enactment Clause Enactment clauses tell when the bill will become effective.
(2) Examples include: This bill will become effective upon the Governor’s signing it. This bill will
(3) become effective 90 days after signature by the Governor.
(Double Space)
Section 7. Safety Clause The YMCA Model General Assembly hereby finds, determines and
(2) declares that this Act is necessary for the preservation of public health, peace and safety.
NOTE: ALL BILLS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN A WORD DOCUMENT FORMAT. USE THE BILL FORMAT WHEN CREATING YOUR FINAL DRAFT
When possible, use 12 font type. Leave a one inch margin around entire document.
WRITING AN AUTHORSHIP SPEECH
When you author a piece of legislation, you will be allowed to present an authorship speech in the committee where your bill is assigned, and, if your bill is passed in committee, on the floor of the House or Senate. This is your chance to convince your fellow legislators that your bill is worthy of consideration. The following gives you a few guidelines on writing an authorship speech.
- Research both sides of your topic. This will help you know what the arguments will be against your bill so you can prepare for them.
- Make a list of all the reasons why your bill should be adopted.
- Use your research to add quotes and statistics to your main points listed above.
- Rearrange your arguments so that your strongest points are first.
- Practice and time your speech. Most committees will allow three minutes for an authorship speech.
- Bring your research with you to the General Assembly. Sometimes it may help to let your fellow legislators read your information.
- Visuals really help get your point across. Posters, graphs, and pictures help the legislators visualize your points. Handouts for the committee can also help them follow a complicated argument. The number of committee members is listed on the cover sheet for each section of bills.
Sample Bill
Ready to start your research? Check out our recommend online resources as somewhere to start!