My own Bill

BILL WRITING CHECKLIST

Clarity of Bill’s Purpose

The title of the bill is broad and does not editorialize or mislead.

Any definitions are clear and are in section 1.

The section needs to:

1) identifies the term to be defined

2) identifies the class to which the term belongs

3) identifies the difference between this term and all other in the class. For example: A computer catalog (term to be identified) is an index (class to which the term belongs) of all the books in a given library (difference between a computer catalog and all other indexes)

4) uses terminology suitable for the audience.

Any conditions placed on the application of the bill are clear (exceptions, limitations); use “if” at the start of the sentence.

Purpose section and the body of the bill are consistent in their purposes

Early sections contain the major part of what you want the bill to do

The last section contains the enactment clause

The purpose of the bill is clear – i.e.; what will happen if it is enacted

Sections are consistent (no contradictions within the bill)

Actions are clearly stated

Research/Preparation

Solution proposed in the legislation is appropriate to the problem

Solution is thorough and clear

Definitions are clear