How to Write a Legislative Proposal

A legislative proposal begins with a simple idea to solve a problem.

A bill is a proposal for the appropriation of public money, for a new law to be considered, or for the amendment or repeal of an existing law. Legislative proposals are generally formatted to the specific jurisdiction that they are proposed. A good legislative proposal enables "people to make decisions with a clear understanding of the issues," according to the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. With some thought and preparation, you can write your legislative proposal to address appropriations or laws.

Instructions

1. Study the ASPE's Legislative Proposal Style Guide provided online for free at the ASPE website. The style guide spells out the format you must conform to if you want your proposal to be successful.

2. Create a unique title that describes the purpose of the proposal. For example, "Reauthorization of the Nutrition for Children Program." Center your title on the first page of your proposal. Capitalize the first letters of your title.

3. Create a statement that describes your proposal. Generally this statement will be fewer than four typed lines. Include the name of the program that you are proposing.

4. Write a section that references the specific law that you are addressing. If no current law exists, then explain why your proposed law is important. Describe the aspects of your proposal in factual terms. Do not include your rationale statements in this section. Reference laws by their official title and include specific relevant section numbers.

5. Develop your proposal statement. Discuss what you plan to do in your proposal. Include background and relevant historical data in this section. Discuss the problem. Save the solution to the problem for your next section. Use active verbs to begin your sentences.

6. Convince your reader that your proposal will support or enhance legislation. Use specific examples of demographic populations or specific studies that support your argument. State your problem clearly and concisely. Describe why your proposal is important. Discuss any proven program methods that will substantiate your claims.

7. Verify that your legislative proposal complies with the Federalism principles in Executive Order 13132. You can view documents relating to this order at United States Regulations website. Review any specific legislation guidelines that may be required. Check proposal deadlines. If your proposal is late, it will not be considered.

8. Discuss your target population. Include individual references that will personalize your problem to your reader.

9. Create a timeline that will represent major accomplishments.

10. Provide examples that will demonstrate the need for your proposal. Describe how your proposal will impact other current programs. For example, will your proposal cut spending in other areas?

11. Create a spreadsheet that will demonstrate expected fiscal year. Explain whether this proposal is a "Reauthorization" of an existing program, a "Revenue" generating program, or a new "Cost" program. Create a five-year budget. Describe how this proposal will be funded or generate income.

12. Describe the total cost of the proposal. Describe the impacts of this budget on other programs. Describe how this program will decrease or increase spending other programs.

13. Include personnel compensation in your budget. Describe what your team members will do and how you will compensate them.

Tips & Warnings

• Write in general terms.

• Do not use legal terminology.

• Write in clear, easy to read sentences.

References

• Legislative Proposal Style Guide
• United States Regulations Website

Resources

• United States Regulations Website