Step 1: Understanding the legislative process

Although the legislative process does follow a set path, its rules and procedures can be very intimidating. Understanding the basic steps helps identify the many formal and informal opportunities welcome to influence the outcomes of the laws that govern us.

Here’s a quick synopsis of how a bill becomes a Law:

1. A bill (also called legislation) is drafted. A bill can be written by anyone, but a bill must be introduced by a legislator and this legislator becomes the bill’s sponsor.
2. When a bill is introduced, it is referred to a committee. This committee will then examine the bill and determine whether to pass it on to the next stop. The committee can decide not to take any action and the bill languishes at this stage.
3. The committee then refers the bill to a subcommittee for a review. Public hearings are held to hear supporting and opposing opinions, including recommendations for amendments.
4. After the hearing, the bill is “marked up” by the subcommittee. They will make changes and add amendments prior to recommending the bill to full committee. After the committee votes, the bill is sent to the floor. (If the committee votes not to recommend to full committee the bill dies.)
5. After debate and approval of any amendments the bill is passed or defeated by the members by voting.
6. When the House or Senate passes a bill, it is referred to the other chamber, where it will follow the same route from committee to floor action.
7. After House and Senate both approve the bill, it is sent to the Governor to be signed into a Law. If the Governor vetoes a bill, it can be overruled by a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and the Senate.

Check out this clever cartoon of how a bill is passed: http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/bill_begin.html

Step 2: Get to know your Legislator

All needed information can be found here:

To find out who your State Senator or Representative is and a link for their contact information, go to:
http://www.wheredoivotema.com

If you know who your State Senator is, you can find their contact information here: http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm

If you know who your House Representative is, you can find their contact information here: http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenuh.htm

Step 3: Choose how you will contact your Legislator

There are numerous ways that you can make a difference and communicate with your legislator about your concerns regarding domestic violence and sexual assault. You can contact your Senator/Representative by phone, email or letter. You can also arrange to meet with your Senator/Representative at their District Office.

Tips for calling your Legislator:

• Phone calls work best for time sensitive issues.
• Ask to speak to the Staffer handling the issue.
• State who you are and where you are from
• Briefly explain why you are calling, what you would like your legislator to do, and why it is important to the community.

Meeting with your Legislator:

• Schedule an appointment at their State House office or district office
• Explain why a specific piece of legislation is important to you, your agency, and your community.
• Bring materials and statistics to support your opinions

Writing to your Senator/Representative:

Tips for writing a letter to your legislator:
• Make your request for help concise and to the point, making sure reference facts and all issues are voiced in a clear and organized method.
• Document your case; attach any supporting material including client stories.
• Focus on a solution and how they can help.
• Tell them about funding you need.
• Describe your program, services you offer, and success.
• It is best to write in your own words and express your own concerns, make your letter personal.
• Sample Letter (coming soon)!!!

Raise Awareness in your Community about the Issues of Domestic Violence

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Include information on how the issue affects your community and cite statistics. It is helpful to send a copy of this letter to your legislator.

• Organize a Domestic Violence Awareness Event and invite your legislator. Also let local media know about your event and ask them to cover the event.

Step 4: Be informed and VOTE!

If you are not registered to vote please visit: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howreg.htm

Step 5: Visit Jane Doe Inc. website for alerts and updates regularly

Sign up for action alerts. Stay informed on policy issues regarding domestic violence and sexual assault! Learn about victories in legislation, be first to know when your help is crucial to helping end domestic violence and sexual assault. Sign up now! (coming soon)!!!!

If you have any questions please contact us at policy@janedoe.org