How Government Works
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Massachusetts is the only state where citizens have a constitutional right to file bills directly in the state legislature. Known as the “right of free petition,” this right dates to the Massachusetts Body of Liberties (1641) and is enshrined in Article 19 of the Massachusetts Constitution. Here’s how to use it.
How to File a Bill in Massachusetts
- Identify an issue. Choose a law or policy you want to improve or create.
- Draft the bill. Work with a legislator or advocacy group to make sure it is properly written. The legislature’s drafting manual is a useful reference.
- Find a sponsor. Every bill needs a legislator to file it. Find your legislator here. If a legislator disagrees with the bill but files it anyway as a courtesy, the words “by request” will appear on the bill, indicating they are not personally endorsing the legislation.
- File the bill. A bill is filed in two parts: the petition (which lists the title, legislative sponsor, and citizen co-sponsor) and the bill text itself. The deadline to file is 5:00 PM on the first Wednesday in December before a new two-year legislative session begins. Bills filed after the deadline can still be admitted but require approval from both chambers’ Rules committees.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
- Bill introduction. A legislator submits the bill to the Massachusetts General Court, where it is assigned a bill number and referred to the appropriate joint committee.
- Committee review. The committee reviews the bill and may hold public hearings. This is where most bills end: the majority of legislation, including most citizen petitions, does not advance past committee. Showing up to testify at a public hearing is one of the most direct ways to advocate for your bill. View committees.
- Debate & vote. If reported out of committee, the bill goes to the full House and Senate for debate and voting. Both chambers must pass it. Check the session calendar.
- Governor’s action. The Governor signs the bill, vetoes it, returns it with amendments, or allows it to become law without signature after 10 days. How it works.
- Enactment. Once signed, the bill becomes law, typically effective 30 days after the Governor’s signature (or 90 days for laws subject to referendum). Download a guide.
For a step-by-step overview, see the legislature’s own guide: How an Idea Becomes a Law.