Legal Definitions - S.B.

S.B. stands for Senate Bill.

A Senate Bill is a legislative proposal that has been formally introduced in the Senate chamber of a legislative body, such as the U.S. Congress or a state legislature. These bills are numbered sequentially as they are introduced and represent potential new laws, amendments to existing laws, or resolutions.

• Example 1: During a session of the California State Legislature, a proposal to increase funding for public schools was introduced and assigned the designation S.B. 123. This means it was the 123rd bill introduced in the California State Senate during that legislative session.

  Explanation: This example illustrates "S.B." as a specific identifier for a legislative proposal originating in the Senate, indicating its sequential numbering within that chamber.

• Example 2: A news report stated that "U.S. Senator Smith introduced S.B. 456, a comprehensive climate change reform package, which will now proceed to committee review."

  Explanation: Here, "S.B. 456" refers to a specific bill introduced by a U.S. Senator in the federal Senate, highlighting its origin and the initial stage of its legislative journey.

• Example 3: After extensive debate, the state assembly voted to approve S.B. 789, sending the measure to the governor's desk for signature. This bill had originated in the state's upper legislative chamber.

  Explanation: This example demonstrates "S.B." referring to a bill that has successfully passed through its originating chamber (the Senate) and is now nearing the final stage of becoming law, emphasizing its Senate origin.