Bill Drafting and Assignments Flashcards
How did laws come to be in NJ?
- In 1776 they all started as PLs in chronological order.
- In 1937 they we revised and categorized topically, and re-named the Revised Statutes.
- Laws after that continued to be in PL format, arranged both chronologically and topically.
- NJS come in as PLs but are labeled as NJS.
- NJS are usually when there is a new title.
- Legislative council allocates new laws.
What is the amendatory title?
It says what the bill is doing and refers to the NJS or PL being amended.
“An Act concerning.. and amending PL.1967, c234”
What is an amendatory clause?
It is the first thing that you read. Will say the source of law that is being amended.
It will say: “Section 12 of PL 1967, c. 234 (C.52:17B-89) is amended to read as follows:”
What is the amendatory section?
- It is a section of a bill that adds or deletes language to an existing section of law
- Each section proposing to amend existing law must contain the complete official text of the section to be amended. Compilation # is at the beginning (in the amendatory clause) and the cf (compared from) is noted at the end of the amendatory section. If the law has never been amended then Compilation # and cf are the same. If not, then cf will be different d. Compilation #: refers to the initial enactment. Cf refers to the amended version of the law
What is a Substantive Review?
It is done to assess that the work represents an appropriate, thorough, clear, effective, and accurate response to the request. It is done for all work products, except for pre files and re-introductions.
What is a Technical Review?
- Bills/Resolutions/amendments should follow technical and stylistic standards as specified by the Constitution, OLS, statutes or rules of the Houses.
- Ensures that the substantive objectives are clear, checks for errors, oversight and deviations from standard form. Checks accuracy of statutory references, bill drafts title and synopsis.
When do pre-filed bills undergo technical review (TR)?
Pre-filed bills are reviewed when it’s reported out of committee
Where are bill drafting #’s placed?
On the upper right-hand corner in the following order
Bill drafter’s #: ER 354
What does DR stand for?
Drafters Recommendation - for certifications for fiscal note, Pension & Health Benefits Review Commission; or Sales and Tax Use Commission
What does CR stand for?
Committee Recommendation - which committee the drafter recommends the bill be referred to
What is the purpose of legislative findings and declarations after the enacting clause?
- It is the section of the bill that offers a narrative of the facts, rationale, or goals underlying the legislation
- Are designed to introduce the bill and to establish context
What is the purpose of Whereas Clauses before the Enacting Clause?
These are Preamble “whereas” clauses, which are similar to findings and declarations section of a bill, however they are not enacted as a section of the law.
These are for resolutions (senate, assembly, joint or concurrent, except for concurrent resolution proposing an amendment to NJ constitution or legislative regulatory oversight)
What is the synopsis and where is it?
- It is to allow ready identification of the bill and inform the reader of the overall purpose of the bill
- no longer than 35 words
- Should include key words or phrases having to do with the subject matter
- Below bill title on fronter and on last page of bill (after sponsor’s statement)
How can you differentiate between amendatory and supplementary sections in a bill?
Amendatory sections are labeled in amendatory clause
Supplementary sections labeled (New Section)
What do you do when a Legislator gives you an assignment?
Get Due date, Name of Requester, What the assignment is, Get any attachments, and get an alternative contact person, if they have one.
