How a Bill Becomes a Law in Texas: Step-by-Step Guide x THC Eazy

How a Bill Becomes a Law in Texas: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Texas Legislature plays a crucial role in shaping the laws that govern the state. But how does a bill—an idea for a new law—become an official Texas state law? With all the confusion around SB3, the THC ban currently moving through the Texas Legislature, we wanted our fellow Texans to have a firm understanding of the process it must take to become law. 

If you’ve ever wondered about the process, you’re not alone. The journey from proposal to law is filled with debates, committee hearings, and multiple votes. This guide will break it down in an easy-to-understand way, so you can stay informed and engaged in Texas politics.

Step 1: A Bill Is Introduced

The process begins with an idea—this could come from a legislator, a concerned citizen, an advocacy group, or even a business. Once an idea is formed, a member of the Texas Legislature (a senator or representative) must sponsor and introduce it as a bill.

• The Texas Legislature has two chambers:
  ✅ Texas House of Representatives (150 members)
  ✅ Texas Senate (31 members)

A bill can be introduced in either the House or Senate, SB3 being initially proposed in the Texas Senate. Once introduced, the bill is given a name and number (e.g., HB 123 for House Bills or SB 456 for Senate Bills). 

Step 2: First Reading & Committee Assignment

After introduction, the bill receives its first reading in the chamber where it was introduced. This is when the bill’s title is read aloud, and the presiding officer assigns it to a committee for further study.

🔹 Why committees? Because not every lawmaker can study every bill in depth, committees specialize in different policy areas, such as:

• Education
• Health & Human Services
• Criminal Justice
• Agriculture & Rural Affairs

The committee stage is critical—this is where bills are studied, debated, and sometimes amended.

Step 3: Committee Action & Public Hearings

The committee now has several options:
✅ Approve the bill (it moves forward)
❌ Reject the bill (it dies in committee)
🔄 Amend the bill (make changes and vote again)
🕒 Do nothing (the bill stalls and dies)

Committees may also hold public hearings, where experts, advocacy groups, and everyday Texans can testify for or against the bill. This is where the public gets a chance to have a voice in the process and provides opportunities for lawmakers to see the potential real-world impacts their bills may have of the people of Texas. 

If the committee approves the bill, it moves forward to the full chamber for debate and voting. SB3 is currently in this process, as evidenced by the strong show of opposition to SB3 in the Texas Legislative chamber on Monday, March 3rd. . 

Step 4: Second Reading & Floor Debate

Once out of committee, the bill goes through a second reading in the full House or Senate. This is where the real legislative battle begins—lawmakers can:

✅ Debate the bill
✅ Offer amendments (changes)
✅ Try to persuade others to vote for or against it

If the bill survives the debate, it moves to a vote.

• In the House, a simple majority (76 out of 150) is needed to pass.
• In the Senate, a simple majority (16 out of 31) is needed to pass.

If the bill passes this vote, it moves on to the third reading and final vote in the same chamber.

Step 5: The Bill Moves to the Other Chamber

If a bill passes in one chamber, it moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) and goes through the same process again:
✅ Committee assignment & review
✅ Public hearings & debate
✅ Votes on the floor

However, this is where things can get tricky. If the second chamber makes changes to the bill, it must go back to the original chamber for approval.

If both chambers agree on the final version, the bill moves forward. If they don’t agree, a conference committee (made up of members from both chambers) is formed to negotiate a compromise.

Step 6: The Governor’s Desk

Once both chambers agree on the final version of the bill, it heads to the Governor of Texas, who has three options:

✅ Sign the bill into law – The bill becomes official Texas law.
❌ Veto the bill – The bill is rejected. However, the Legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
⌛ Do nothing – If the Governor doesn’t sign or veto the bill within 10 days, it automatically becomes law.

Step 7: The Bill Becomes Law 

If the bill successfully makes it through all these steps, it becomes law and is assigned an effective date. Some laws take effect immediately, while others might have a future start date (e.g., January 1st of the following year).

How Long Does This Process Take?

The Texas Legislature only meets once every two years for 140 days, so the window for passing bills is small. Thousands of bills are introduced each session, but only a fraction become law.

That’s why timing, public engagement, and strong advocacy play a huge role in whether a bill makes it through or dies in committee. The Legislature window can be extended to pass additional legislation but only by order of the Governor and is not often used. 

Why This Matters for You

Understanding the law-making process gives you the power to engage in your government. Here’s how you can make a difference:

✔ Stay Informed – Follow bills that matter to you using Texas Legislature Online.
✔ Contact Your Representatives – Your state senator and representative need to hear from you—call, email, or meet with them.
✔ Testify at Public Hearings – Many committees allow public input—your voice can impact legislation.
✔ Vote in State Elections – The people you elect directly influence Texas laws.

Being aware of how the system works means you can actively participate and help shape the future of Texas.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Knowing the Process

The journey of a bill becoming a law in Texas is full of challenges, debates, and political maneuvering. However, every law starts as an idea—and that idea can come from anyone, including you. While THC Eazy support the safe proliferation of the Hemp industry in Texas, we encourage all Texans to use their voice in the lawmaking process. 

By understanding how Texas laws are made, you can:
🔥 Advocate for issues you care about
🔥 Hold elected officials accountable
🔥 Engage in the legislative process to make real change

📢 Want to stay informed on Texas legislation and how it affects the hemp industry? Stay connected with THC Eazy for updates on laws, industry trends, and ways to get involved.