What Are the Two Different Sections and Amendments Contained in Bills?

Are there really two different types of sections contained in a bill? And are there actually two different types of amendments contained in bills? Yes.

Sections

Bills contain two different types of “sections” – bill sections and code sections. So, it is important that, when discussing a bill, you use the proper terminology and be precise in your word choice.

Bill sections begin with SECTION 1 and continue with SEC. 2, SEC. 3, etc. A bill section is generally the section of a bill which provides that a provision of state statutes is amended, added, or repealed as indicated. The language from this type of section does not become a part of the code. Instead, each bill section identifies the code that it affects.

On the other hand, each section of code that is to be amended, added, or repealed, is set forth in full in the body of the bill. Code sections are, for example, provided as follows: Section 6377 of the Revenue and Taxation Code is amended to read… And then the statutory language to be changed is set forth thereafter.

Amendments

Bills contain two different types of “amendments” – amendments to the bill and amendments to the code. So, it is important that, when discussing a bill, you use the proper terminology and be precise in your word choice.

Bill amendments are subsequent amendments made to a bill after the introduced version.

On the other hand, code sections are amended by adding or repealing language to an existing or proposed code section.