Glossary

These are some of the most common terms used in the Legislature. A more complete glossary can be found at the Oklahoma State Legislature web site.

Act - A measure passed by both houses and approved by the Governor, or which has become effective without his or her signature.

Appropriation - Funds allocated for various departments of government set aside for specific use by action of the General Assembly.

Bill - Draft of proposed law presented to the legislature by a member of the General Assembly for consideration.

Calendar - The order of business in the House and Senate. The calendar contains bills, resolutions and reports in various stages of consideration.

Committee - A select group of legislators with a defined scope of responsibility.

Co-Sponsor - One or more persons proposing any bill or resolution.

Filibuster - Prolonged discussion of a bill to delay legislative action.

Hearing - A meeting of a committee of the House or Senate to receive testimony from the public on a bill or topic.

Journal - An official daily record of the action taken and proceedings of the respective houses.

Line Item - A specific appropriation within an appropriation bill.

Line Item Veto - A veto by the Governor of a line item in an appropriation bill.

Majority - Approval by a majority of members elected to the Senate and to the House for a bill to be considered passed.

Motion - Proposition presented fro action by a legislative body.

Override - To pass a bill after the Governor has vetoed it.

Refer - To send a bill to committee.

Regular Session - The time periods established by the State Constitution for meetings of the General Assembly or State Legislature.

Resolution - A formal expression of the will, wish or direction of one or both houses.

Rules - Used to regulate principles and methods of procedure.

Sponsor - Legislator who is the primary author of a bill or amendment.

Table - To set aside for future discussion, usually with a view to postponing or shelving the matter indefinitely.

Veto - The rejection by the Governor of a bill passed by the legislature.

Source: Kansas Association of Child Care Resource & Referral Agencies.