HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

As you have discovered through this course, nurses are influential members of the community and the political system. Therefore, for the purposes of this assignment you will identify a problem or concern in your community, organization, etc. that has the capacity to be legislated. You will conduct research and state a proposal. Through the legislative process, your proposal for the problem or concern may influence an idea for change into a law.

First, refer to the “How a Bill Becomes a Law” media.

http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/nrs440v_how-a-bill-becomes-a-law-v2.1.php

Then, view the “Bill to Law Process” to watch the scenario.

After viewing the scenario, refer to the “Legislative Assignment.” You will need to save the document first in order to use it.

Submit the assignment to the instructor. You also reserve the right to submit your completed proposal to the respective government official. However, this is optional. If you select to submit your proposal as a part of the legislative process, refer to “Find Your Representative” or research the contact information on your own.

Legislative Worksheet (SBAR Format) –
How a Bill Becomes a Law

SITUATION: IS THIS SOMETHING THAN CAN BE LEGISLATED?

• Identify
  the problem/concern:
• State
  your proposal/idea.

BACKGROUND: DO YOUR RESEARCH

• Include
  studies, reports, personal experience, or anecdotal stories related to
  your proposal.
• Has
  there been similar legislation introduced and/or passed in other states?
  If so, include it.

ASSESSMENT: FINANCES AND STAKEHOLDERS

• Identify
  financial impact if any (e.g., added costs, cost savings, increased
  revenue):
• Identify
  stakeholder groups that would support this bill:
• Identify
  people/groups that would oppose this bill:

RECOMMENDATION

• Make
  an appointment with your legislator to discuss your proposal.

Del. Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, RN Maryland House of Delegates Lowe House Office Bldg., Room 309 Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410.841.3350 shirley_nathan_pulliam@house.state.md	Del. Adelaide C. Eckardt, RN, PCNS Maryland House of Delegates Lowe House Office Bldg., Room 308 Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410.841.3343 adelaide_eckardt@house.state.md.us
Del. Mary Roe Walkup, RN (Retired) Maryland House of Delegates Lowe House Office Bldg. Room 217 Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 410.841.3449 mary_roe_walkup@house.state.md.us	Del. Marilyn R. Goldwater, RN Maryland House of Delegates Lowe House Office Bldg., Room 221 Annapolis, MD 21401 Tel: 301.858.3019 marilyn.goldwater@house.state.md.us
Sen. Paula Colodny Hollinger, RN Maryland Senate 2 West Miller Senate Building Annapolis, MD 21401-1991 Tel: 410.841.3131 paula_colodny_hollinger@senate.state.md.us