I’ve recently discussed using the Richmond Sunlight website for bill tracking. This gives you a good idea of the bills proposed and what happens to them. They also have a blog that contains some good information that is accessed from the website link above as well. In particular check out:

• The Bills That Never Get Filed
• Crossover Marks the Halfway Point

This gives you an idea of some of the process in getting bills passed. You can also find some information on how to create an illusion of getting a bill passed when you really don’t want it to pass. (nasty little political tricks)

However, what happens after the bill is passed?

That is where another website comes into play, the Virginia Register of Regulations. No matter how many laws get passed or how much you want to see the law passed, it always come down to initiating and enforcing the law in order for it to be useful. Most often, you see that the bills have to incorporated into the regulations of different departments of government. It is these regulations that explains how the bills will be incorporated into existing regulations and what will be required. Read the rest of this entry »