Civics lesson

How a bill becomes a local law in New York City

1. A bill (proposed legislation) is filed by a Council Member with the Council Speaker's Office. (DONE)

2. The bill is then introduced into the Council during a Stated Meeting and referred to the appropriate committee. (DONE – referred to Land Use)

3A. One or more public committee hearings may be noticed and held on the proposed legislation. (NEXT STEP!)

3B. After public testimony and committee debate, the bill may be amended.

4. The committee votes on the final version of the bill.

5. If passed in committee, the bill is sent to the full Council for more debate and a final vote.

6. If passed by an affirmative vote of a majority of all Council Members (at least 26 members) the bill is then sent to the Mayor, who also holds a public hearing.

7. The Mayor then chooses to sign or veto the bill. If the Mayor does not sign or veto the bill within 30 days after receiving it from the Council, it is considered approved.

8A If the Mayor does sign the bill, it immediately becomes a local law and is entered into the City's Charter or Administrative Code. The time before a new law becomes effective will vary from law to law.

8B. The Mayor disapproves/vetoes the bill, he or she must return it to the City Clerk with his or her objections to the Council at the next scheduled Stated Meeting.

8C. The Council then has 30 days to override the Mayoral veto.

8D. If the Council does repass the bill by a vote of two-thirds of all Council Members (at least 34 members), it is then considered adopted and becomes a local law.

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