How to Write a Bill Proposal

If you have an idea you would like to present to the government, write a bill proposal. By writing a bill proposal, you can present an issue to Congress or your state legislature or city council. If your proposal is is well written and makes cogent arguments, the legislative body may consider it, and may even vote on it. A bill proposal is simply a written letter stating the idea.

Develop an idea. A bill proposal begins with a good idea. You must then determine what type of bill it is. Private bills are bills that affect only a small group of people, such as a particular organization. Public bills deal with issues that affect a large group of people or potentially the entire population.

Read More: How to Write a Legislative Proposal

Research the issue. After the topic is chosen, find out as much information as possible. Check to see if there are any current bills that cover the issue you are writing about. Look into the potential benefits the bill would provide, if passed. Find out also if the bill would cause harm to any groups of people.

Write the bill. The bill proposal should be written in sections. At the beginning of the proposal, describe the issue. Discuss the benefits of the bill proposal and give examples. Give a detailed explanation of the costs involved in the bill and finally summarize the main points and benefits of the bill. Proposals are generally known to be documents that state a problem and a solution to the problem. Be sure to include the information in this way.

Include a table of contents. If the bill proposal is lengthy, write a table of contents that allows the readers to easily find and locate information contained in it.

Write a cover page. Prepare a title page that states the name of the bill as well as your name and contact information.

Give it to a representative. Find a local representative that will present the bill proposal to the intended legislative body for debate, and maybe, a vote.