Senator Martins Brings 'How a Bill Becomes a Law' Program to Great Neck

Senator Jack M. Martins is currently sponsoring a “How a Bill Becomes a Law” Program with schools in the Seventh Senate District. Recently, Senator Martins visited the E.M. Baker School in Great Neck to discuss with the students how a bill becomes a law in New York State.

Senator Martins explained to the students that a bill often originates in the local communities an elected official represents. It may come from a local government or a concerned resident. A Senator can then introduce the bill in the New York State Senate.

Once the bill is introduced, it receives a number and then has to go through the committee process. Senator Martins is the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Local Government. Once it goes through the committee process, it is then voted on by all the Senators. There are currently 62 in New York State.

If the bill passes the Senate, it is then delivered to the other house in the Legislature, the New York State Assembly. If the Assembly passes the bill, it is then sent to the Governor. If the Governor signs the bill, it then becomes law.

Senator Martins, who represents Great Neck, is one of 62 members of the Senate. There are a total of 150 Assembly seats. Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel represents Great Neck in the Assembly. Senator Martins and Assemblywoman Schimel have both worked together, introducing bills to the respective Legislative bodies they serve in.

Senator Martins encouraged students to think about what would make a good law and submit the ideas to his office.