Procedural rules determine how bills are referred to the various standing committees of the House or Senate. It can be considered by the entire committee or referred to a subcommittee for review. This phase of the process is very important as bills are examined by the committee to determine how likely it is to be passed. If a committee does not act on a bill, it has the same effect as killing the bill. This process allows the opportunity to put on record the views of supporters, opponents, executive departments, experts and others.
Testimony is presented in person or by written statement.
The subcommittee can meet to make changes or amendments to the bill. If the subcommittee does not report back to the committee recommending the legislation then the bill is dead. Then the full committee votes on its recommendation. The legislation then follows the same basic procedure in the second chamber. The bill may be approved, rejected, changed, or ignored.