As chronic, complex, and rare disease patients, caregivers, and physicians, we are often the most intimately exposed to the challenges and injustices that impact our lives and the lives of those in our community. While it’s true that we shouldn’t bear the burden of fixing these systemic issues, our unique experiences and insights make us some of the most equipped individuals to bring these issues to the attention of those who have the power to actually effect change.
Drafting legislation and advocating for policy changes may seem daunting at first, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring that our voices are heard and that necessary reforms are made to improve the lives of countless individuals facing similar challenges. By actively engaging in the legislative process, we have the opportunity to not only address the issues that directly affect us but also to pave the way for a smoother path to care and support for others in our communities.
This page is dedicated to walking you through the steps and providing you with the tools and resources you need to navigate the process of drafting a bill proposal, crafting persuasive letters to your representatives, launching petitions, and effectively advocating for change!
Ready? Let’s get started!

Understanding the
Legislative processES

The legislative process is a multifaceted journey that begins with the conception of an idea and culminates in the enactment of a law. Understanding the stages of this process is essential for anyone looking to create and champion a bill. Typically, the legislative process involves several key steps, including bill drafting, committee review, floor debate, and final passage. Each stage presents unique challenges and opportunities for advocacy, requiring careful navigation and strategic engagement. It’s important to understand how the process works so that you can know what to expect so you can plan and prepare accordingly. 

1.

Understand the Process
Before diving into drafting a bill, it’s essential to understand how the legislative process works. Figure out what legislative body you will be advocating in whether that be federal, state or local and then familiarize yourself with the structure of that body, the roles of legislators and committees, and the stages a bill goes through from introduction to enactment.

RESOURCES

LEARN ABOUT THE LOCAL LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

LEARN ABOUT THE STATE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

LEARN ABOUT THE FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Preparing to create a bill

Before embarking on the journey of creating a bill, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and planning to ensure its viability and impact. Start by identifying a specific issue or problem that you’re passionate about addressing through legislation. Conduct in-depth research to understand the root causes of the issue, relevant legal frameworks, and potential solutions. This groundwork will provide the foundation for crafting a well-informed and effective bill proposal.

2.

Identifying a Problem or Need
Begin by identifying a specific problem, issue, or gap in current laws or regulations that you believe requires legislative action. This could stem from personal experience, community concerns, or broader societal challenges. Conduct preliminary research to gather information, statistics, and anecdotes that illustrate the significance and urgency of the issue.

3.

Learning About Bill Creation
While we share about it here on this page, continue to use other resources as well to further educate yourself on the fundamental principles and requirements involved in creating a bill proposal. Try to learn about the key components of a bill, as well as the formatting and drafting conventions followed in legislative writing so that you can better execute the process.

4.

Researching Existing Legislation
Next, research existing laws, regulations, and pending legislation related to your identified issue. Use online databases and resources provided by legislative websites (some are linked below) to search for relevant bills, statutes, and regulatory frameworks at the federal, state, and local levels. You can analyze existing legislation to help you  identify gaps, inconsistencies, or areas where reforms are needed.

5.

Defining the Problem Statement
Based on your research findings, articulate a clear and concise problem statement that encapsulates the issue you aim to address through legislation. Clearly define the scope, causes, and consequences of the problem, supported by evidence and data. This step lays the foundation for drafting targeted and effective legislative solutions.

6.

Developing Policy Goals and Objectives
Outline the policy goals and objectives that your proposed legislation seeks to achieve. Consider the desired outcomes, impacts on affected stakeholders, and potential challenges or trade-offs associated with each goal. Establishing clear policy objectives guides the drafting process and helps communicate the bill’s purpose to legislators and the public.

7.

Consulting Stakeholders and Experts
Engage with stakeholders, experts, and affected communities to gather insights, perspectives, and feedback on your proposed legislative approach. Seek input from advocacy groups, subject matter experts, community leaders, and individuals directly impacted by the issue. Incorporate diverse viewpoints and expertise into your bill development process to enhance its effectiveness and legitimacy.

RESOURCES

WALK-THROUGH BILL PROCESS

RESEARCH CHECKLIST TEMPLATE

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION GUIDE

local, state, and federal legislative info

Comprehensive federal legislative information

Information on state legislatures and policies

drafting a bill PROPOSAL

Once you’ve identified your legislative goal, it’s time to draft your bill. Writing a bill involves careful attention to detail, clarity of language, and adherence to legal requirements. Consider seeking guidance from legal experts or experienced advocates to ensure your bill is well-crafted and legally sound. As you draft your bill, pay close attention to formatting guidelines and standard legislative procedures to increase its chances of success in the legislative process. Remember, a well-written bill is the cornerstone of effective advocacy and policymaking, so invest the time and effort needed to get it right.

8.

Drafting the Bill
With a thorough understanding of the issue and policy objectives, begin drafting the text of the bill. Follow legislative drafting conventions and guidelines to structure the bill’s provisions, definitions, and amendments clearly and accurately (you can use our bill proposal draft guide and template below). Pay attention to language precision, legal terminology, and formatting requirements to ensure the bill’s clarity and enforceability.

9.

Consultation and Collaboration
It’s essential to seek input and feedback from relevant stakeholders during the drafting process. This may include advocacy groups, subject matter experts, community members, or other legislators. Collaboration fosters a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and increases the bill’s chances of success by incorporating diverse perspectives and expertise.

10.

Review and Revision
After drafting the bill, review it carefully for clarity, consistency, and alignment with your intended goals. Consider potential unintended consequences or ambiguities that may arise from the proposed language. Revise the bill as needed based on feedback received during consultations and legal analysis.

RESOURCES

BILL PROPOSAL DRAFTING GUIDE

BILL PROPOSAL DRAFTING TEMPLATE

COLLABORATION EMAIL TEMPLATE

LEARN MORE ABOUT BILL DRAFTING

REVIEW & REVISION CHECKLIST

BILL DRAFTING RESOURCES

PROPOSING A BILL

After drafting your bill, the next step is to present your proposal to your elected representative. You can start by identifying your representative at the local, state, or federal level, depending on the scope of your issue. Research their background, policy positions, and legislative priorities to tailor your pitch effectively. Craft a compelling letter or email introducing yourself, explaining the issue, and outlining your proposed solution. Clearly articulate why your bill is necessary and how it will benefit constituents and address pressing concerns in your community.
In addition to reaching out to your representative directly, consider building support for your bill proposal through grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Rallying public support can significantly bolster the chances of your bill gaining traction and garnering legislative attention. Collaborate with local organizations, activists, and community leaders to amplify your message and mobilize public opinion. By leveraging the power of collective action, you can increase awareness of your bill, generate momentum for change, and demonstrate widespread support among constituents.

11.

Introduction and Sponsorship
Once the bill is finalized, it’s time to introduce it in the legislative body where you seek its consideration. Identify a supportive legislator willing to sponsor the bill and introduce it on your behalf. Work closely with the sponsor to coordinate the bill’s introduction, ensure its alignment with legislative procedures, and gather additional co-sponsors if possible.

12.

Continue To Rally Community Support
Engage with your elected representatives to advocate for your bill’s passage. Contact them via phone, email, or in-person meetings to explain the bill’s importance, provide supporting evidence, and request their support. Be prepared to address questions or concerns they may have and offer to provide additional information or testimony if needed.

13.

Contact Your Representatives
Engage with your elected representatives to advocate for your bill’s passage. Contact them via phone, email, or in-person meetings to explain the bill’s importance, provide supporting evidence, and request their support. Be prepared to address questions or concerns they may have and offer to provide additional information or testimony if needed.

RESOURCES

FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

RAISE SUPPORT USING OUR MEDIA TOOLKIT

In the system

After drafting your bill, the next step is to present your proposal to your elected representative. Start by identifying your representative at the local, state, or federal level, depending on the scope of your issue. Research their background, policy positions, and legislative priorities to tailor your pitch effectively. Craft a compelling letter or email introducing yourself, explaining the issue, and outlining your proposed solution. Clearly articulate why your bill is necessary and how it will benefit constituents and address pressing concerns in your community.
In addition to reaching out to your representative directly, consider building support for your bill proposal through grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Rallying public support can significantly bolster the chances of your bill gaining traction and garnering legislative attention. Collaborate with local organizations, activists, and community leaders to amplify your message and mobilize public opinion. By leveraging the power of collective action, you can increase awareness of your bill, generate momentum for change, and demonstrate widespread support among constituents.

14.

Committee Consideration
After introduction, the bill typically undergoes committee review, where members examine its provisions, conduct hearings, and may propose amendments. This is the time for you to monitor the committee’s proceedings, provide testimony if invited, and engage with committee members to build support for the bill’s advancement.

15.

Floor Debate And Vote
If the bill successfully clears the committee stage, it advances to the full legislative body for floor consideration. During floor debate, legislators discuss the bill’s merits, offer amendments, and ultimately vote on its passage. Continue advocating for the bill by contacting legislators, generating public support, and addressing any remaining concerns.

16.

Enactment Or Veto
Following passage by both chambers of the legislature, the bill proceeds to the executive branch for approval. The executive may sign the bill into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without signature, depending on the applicable legislative process. Stay engaged during this stage to urge the executive’s support and address any potential veto overrides or implementation challenges.

RESOURCES

TRACK State & Federal BILL ProgressS

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