A bill is a legal document sent to a company by a supplier requesting payment for goods or services that have been delivered. It serves as a record of an outstanding liability or payable, and provides the basis for recording the transaction in the company’s accounting records. A bill typically includes contact information, a summary of the goods or services provided, quantity, unit price, total amount due, and payment terms.
The term bill also refers to a legislative proposal to amend, change or repeal an existing statute or to appropriate public money. Unlike a resolution, ordinance or administrative rule, bills can become law when they pass both houses of Congress and are signed by the president.
To draft a bill, first look for a subject that you are passionate about and which has national appeal. Then research the topic and develop your drafting skills. Finally, present your bill to a member of Congress or their aide. Members and their aides are very busy people and will only have a few minutes to review your bill. Make your presentation as concise and compelling as possible to capture their attention.
The first section of your bill should state clearly and concisely what it does. The next section should list any existing provisions that are applicable to your subject matter and the implementation process that will follow enactment. The final section of your bill is the enactment clause which indicates the date that your bill will take effect if passed.
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