Delegation Resource Manual: Preparing for the Model Legislature
Page 84
YMCA PA Youth & Government Program
Bill Writing Checklist
Technical correctness
___ Numbers and figures are expressed in words
___ Monetary sums are expressed in words
___ Number every line beginning with the title by consecutive Arabic figures (1, 2, 3)
___ Spelling and grammar are correct
___ Pennsylvania is called a Commonwealth not a state
___ Typed in 12 point Courier or Times New Roman
___ Every sentence is a statement in the third person
___ No opinions, questions or statements of intent
___ Use the active voice
Research/Preparation
___ Solution proposed in the legislation is appropriate to the problem
___ Solution is thorough and clear
___ Definitions are clear
Clarity of Bill’s Purpose
___ The title of the bill is broad and does not editorialize or mislead.
___ Any definitions are clear and are in section 1. (The section needs to: 1) identifies the term to be
defined, 2) identifies the class to which the term belongs, 3) identifies the difference between
this term and all other in the class. For example: A computer catalog (term to be identified) is
an index (class to which the term belongs) of all the books in a given library (difference between
a computer catalog and all other indexes). 4) uses terminology suitable for the audience.)
___ Any conditions placed on the application of the bill are clear (exceptions, limitations); use “if” at
the start of the sentence.
___ Purpose section and the body of the bill are consistent in their purposes
___ Early sections contain the major part of what you want the bill to do
___ The last section contains the enactment clause
___ The purpose of the bill is clear – i.e.; what will happen if it is enacted
___ Sections are consistent (no contradictions within the bill)
___ Actions are clearly stated
Feasibility
___ Bill resolves problem in a reasonable way
___ Administration of bill’s requirements are clear - who is responsible
___ Method of penalty is clear
___ Penalties fit the crime
Relevance
___ Addresses a problem that requires legislation to solve
___ Problem is one that can be addressed at the state level
Provision for cost
___ Source of income is provided
___ Collection method is provided
___ Administration of any disbursement of funds is provided
