Before a proposal becomes law it exists as a bill. A bill is a draft text introduced in a legislature for consideration, debate, amendment, and possible enactment.

Any member, and in some systems the executive, may introduce a bill. It is typically referred to a committee that holds hearings, revises the language, and decides whether to send it to the full chamber. Floor debate and votes follow. In bicameral legislatures both chambers must usually approve the same text. The executive may then sign or veto the measure.

Most bills never become law. They expire at the end of a session or are deliberately blocked. Those that survive emerge as Acts or statutes. The bill stage is where interest groups, parties, and individual legislators bargain over wording and priorities. Tracking bills is a core activity of lobbyists, journalists, and engaged citizens.

• Proposed law under legislative consideration
• Moves through committee and floor stages
• Most fail to become law
• Subject to amendment and negotiation