How Do You Change State Laws?


Changing state laws can be accomplished by speaking with state senators, lawmakers and members of the assembly, according to the Reno Gazette-Journal. As the proposed new law goes through the Legislature, it can gain additional support from other individuals who agree that the new law should be enacted.

The Minnesota State Legislature states that before a law is changed, it begins as a bill. Bills can be suggested by consumer groups, individuals, government agencies or professional associations. As of 2014, legislators are the only ones who can start to move a bill through the law-making process. The bill has to be arranged in the correct legal form before it can be brought before the state's House of Representatives and Senate.

The proposed law needs to be sponsored by a legislator, who brings it before the Legislature, notes the Minnesota State Legislature. The bill goes through a first reading after it is introduced through the proper channels. The presiding House officer refers the bill to a specific House committee in order that it can be discussed and either approved or disapproved.

During the final stages, the bill is sent to the state governor to be signed into law, vetoed or allowed to automatically become a law if not signed.