- Bill Drafting and Introduction: A legislator or committee requests the Legislative Council to draft the proposed bill. It is then introduced to the chamber (either the House or Senate), given a number, and read for the first time.
- Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a specialized standing committee. Committees (or their subcommittees) study the bill, hold public hearings, and decide whether to accept, amend, or reject the legislation.
- Floor Debates and Readings: The State Constitution requires that a bill must be read on three separate days in each body before it can pass.
A. First Reading: Typically happens when the bill is introduced and before going to committee.
B. Second Reading: The full chamber debates the bill, offers amendments, and votes on whether to advance it.
C. Third Reading: A final, often procedural vote to pass the bill to the next chamber. - Second Chamber Action: Once a bill passes all three readings in the originating body, it is sent to the other chamber, where it goes through the exact same committee and floor-reading process.
- Conference Committee: If the second chamber makes amendments the first chamber does not accept, a Conference Committee made of members from both houses is formed to reach a compromise.
- Executive Approval or Veto: After both the House and Senate pass identical versions of the bill, it is sent to the Governor. The Governor has options:
A. Sign it into law (making it an official Act).
B. Allow it to become law without a signature (usually after 5 days of receiving it).
C. Veto the legislation. (The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers).
Get a PDF from the S.C. Association of Counties showing the above information.
In South Carolina, the exact differences between a bill and a joint resolution center on their intended permanence, how they are titled after passage, and their unique functions regarding constitutional amendments. While both require three readings on three separate days in both chambers to pass, they serve distinct legal roles.
| Feature | Bill | Joint Resolution |
| Legal Permanence | Designed to become permanent statutory law. | Designed as a temporary measure that expires once the specific task is complete. |
| Post-Passage Title | Title changes to an “Act” upon ratification. | Keeps the title of “Joint Resolution” even after it becomes law. |
| Governor Approval | Always required (unless overridden by a 2/3 legislative vote or allowed to lapse). | Not required if the measure is being used to propose a Constitutional amendment. |
| Primary Scope | General statewide legislation, major policy, and agency regulations. | Emergency appropriations, limited/one-time funding, or initiating constitutional changes. |