It is customary for a bill to be read the first and second time on the same day, but only the number and title are read unless the members vote otherwise. After reading, a bill is assigned to committee. There are 10 Standing Committees in the House and nine similar Standing Committees in the Senate. There are five joint committees made up of members from both the House and Senate. During legislative sessions, committees usually meet in the morning to examine bills.
Committees generally are where public comments are gathered on proposed legislation.
During a committee hearing, the Senator or Representative sponsoring a bill will explain the measure and often will bring in expert testimony as support. Those who oppose a bill will also present their case, and frequently the committee will hold public hearings. Committee action is crucial to the legislative process. The committee report on a bill is read to the entire membership of the House or Senate. While any legislator can propose an amendment, it takes a majority of the entire membership of one house to adopt an amendment.