Iowa Representative Tom Moore Explains the Lawmaking Process

(Des Moines) Iowa House District #18 Representative Tom Moore recently provided a detailed tutorial on the lawmaking process in the state, shedding light on how legislation moves from an idea to becoming law. The process involves multiple steps and the collaboration of various individuals and groups.

Moore said legislation is proposed by many different groups, lobbyists, constituents, legislators, the governor, etc.

There, the Chairman of the committee can pigeonhole it or assign it to a three person Sub-Committee for consideration.

Tom Moore said if a bill passes the House, it is then sent to the Senate where the process starts all over. If it is passed with the exact language then it goes to the Governor for her signature. But, if the Senate amends the language it then goes back to the House for reconsideration due to the amended version. Only when the bill is agreed upon by both chambers does it go to the Governor to become law.