Senator Martins Discusses How a Bill Becomes a Law at Our Lady of Victory School

Jack M. Martins

January 27, 2012

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 Our Lady of Victory School in Floral Park in to discuss with the students how a bill becomes a law in New York State. The purpose of the program is to engage students in the civic and governmental issues.

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. 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 encouraged students to think about what would make a good law and submit the ideas to his office. Any school wishing to participate in the program is welcome to contact Senator Martins’ District Office at 746-5924.