top of page
How to Write a Bill
1: Identify the Type of Bill you Want to Write
Acts: positions that the Senate takes on a particular issue along with the next steps and a ‘plan of action.’
Endorsement: Applies the student government name and support to an event, petition, or initiative brought to us by an outside group.
Funding Requests: Used to request money from the student government for a particular initiative. Can be written by both Senators and other BU organizations.
Amendments: Proposals that suggest an addition or change to the Student Government Constitution or Senate By-laws.
Note: bills that take a political stance and/or call for the condemnation of an issue/organization are prohibited. It is not within the scope of Senate’s mission to be issuing stand alone condemnations. If the proposal is an act suggesting a particular course of action as a result of an event, that may be considered.
2: Contents of the Bill
Some questions to ask yourself: what is realistically achievable regarding this issue? Why is this issue present, and how come it hasn’t been resolved yet?
-
Understanding these questions may aid in getting the upper hand when tackling certain roadblocks, as well as streamlining efficiency!
Research, research, research
-
Make sure to gather all the information possible about your issue in order to accurately and appropriately represent your needs to Senate.
-
If you require their assistance, most BU staff will be willing to sit down with you and have a conversation about something. Set up meetings!!
-
Expect More Committee is also a great resource if you’re attempting to gather student opinion.
-
The Rules Committee is your #1 guidance if you’re proposing an amendment!
-
The Senate Chair, Vice Chair, and Chief of Staff are always here for you as well. Don’t be afraid to reach out!
Optional step: Present your research to Senate
-
If you are looking for Senate’s feedback on your initiative before you formally propose a bill, you may simply present your research and ask the chair for a discussion period!
-
This is a great idea if you’ve reached a crossroads/a block, and you’d like encouragement or guidance.
3: Writing your Bill!
Once you have thorough research, attainable goals, and a plan of action, you’re ready to write your bill.
-
Look at this template, and fill out all relevant information
Remember that the funding request template (here) is slightly different! -
Bills are done better in teams, so don’t be afraid to reach out to other senators or committee heads if you need the assistance!
-
Once you feel like you’ve filled out everything, email it to sgsen@bu.edu, along with a short google slideshow to be presented to Senate!
Example here
Remember: Once the proposal passes, it is up to you to execute the action items in the proposal. It is also expected that you come back to Senate to present any updates!
Or…
Your proposal may not work out, but that is OK!
At the end of the day, we are students and some things are out of our control. Ultimately we are trying to learn through doing the best we can. If you’ve exhausted all of your options, that is not a failure!
bottom of page