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Writing Legislation

Structure

Legislation should be typed and double-spaced with line numbers, not exceeding one page. Capitalizing the words “WHEREAS” and “RESOLVED” in resolutions, and “SECTION” in bills, as well as inverse-indenting each clause or section helps to distinguish between ideas and concepts. Conventions for written structure of legislation differ in various leagues and regions. The suggestions herein are based on a synthesis of the various formats, as well as format used by the U.S. Congress (see http://thomas.loc.gov).

  1. Resolutions: Think “R” for reasons or rationale. Resolutions encourage, and when passed, establish a strong conviction by a lawmaking body to do something. Any time a lawmaking body wants to take further and "higher" action (i.e., amend the Constitution, engage in a treaty, take action through the UN or some other multinational group), a resolution is the means by which this is done. Resolutions never establish the "how" of law, i.e., issues of enforcement, and how it will work when passed.
  2. Bills - A bill, when passed into law, has the full power of enforcement behind it, because the national Congress has jurisdiction. Therefore, a bill establishes the details and nuances behind how a particular law must work, including when it takes effect, how much of the treasury (tax levy) will be appropriated (if applicable), how infractions/violations will be dealt with, etc. A bill may answer the who, what, when, where – and most specifically how – but it will never answer “why.” Legislators must explain the rationale behind bills in their speeches.

Format

Following are samples of legislation, formatted in the proper manner. In the resolution, note the semicolon, and how it precedes the word “and” at the end of each “whereas” clause, and the phrase “now, therefore, be it” at the end of the last “whereas” clause.

 

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A Resolution to Urge Further Action
on a Specific Issue

WHEREAS, State the current problem (this needs to be

                 accomplished in one brief sentence); and

WHEREAS, Describe the scope of the problem cited in

                  the first whereas clause (this clause needs

                 to flow logically from the first); and

WHEREAS, Explain the impact and harms perpetuated

                  by the current problem (once again, the

                 clause needs to flow in a logical

                 sequence); now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the Student Congress here assembled

                  that: state your recommendation for

                 dealing with the problem (the resolution

                 should be a clear call for action); and, be

                  it

FURTHER RESOLVED, That (an optional additional

                  recommendation; if not used, end the

                  previous “resolved” clause with a period).

Introduced by Name of School

  

 

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A Bill to Establish a Specific Policy


BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT CONGRESS HERE

ASSEMBLED THAT:

SECTION 1. State the new policy in a brief declarative

                  sentence, or in as few sentences as

                  possible.

SECTION 2. Define any ambiguous terms inherent in

                  the first section.

SECTION 3. Name the government agency that will

                  oversee the enforcement of the bill along

                  with the specific enforcement mechanism.

SECTION 4. Indicate the implementation

                  date/timeframe.

SECTION 5. State that all other laws that are in

                  conflict with this new policy shall hereby

                  be declared null and void.

Introduced by Name of School

Download word processing templates already formatted for legislation...