What needs to happen after a bill is passed in the House of Representatives before it goes to the Senate?

Thank you for your question.

Once the House of Representatives agrees to a bill (a proposed law), the Clerk signs a certificate attached to the bill stating:

• the bill originated in the House
• the date it was agreed to by the House
• the bill is now ready to be presented to the Senate.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives then signs a document, known as a ‘message’, addressed to the President of the Senate, requesting the Senate’s ‘concurrence’ – agreement – with the bill.

The Serjeant-at-Arms (or their deputy) delivers the message and bill to the Usher of the Black Rod (or their deputy) in the Senate. The President then reports the message to the Senate.

The Senate can decide to immediately debate the bill, send it to a committee for closer examination or schedule debate on the bill for a later day.