What is the process for a bill to become law in Illinois?

For a bill to become law in Illinois, it must be passed by both houses of the General Assembly: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This bicameral process ensures that legislation is thoroughly examined and debated by elected representatives from various districts across the state. Once a bill successfully passes through both chambers, it is then sent to the Governor, who has the authority to either sign it into law, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it. This sequence of steps is critical as it provides checks and balances within the legislative process, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered before a bill is enacted.

The other options do not reflect the correct legislative procedure in Illinois. For example, the approval of the President and Congress pertains to federal legislation, which is not applicable to state-level bills. Additionally, enacting a law without the Governor's approval undermines the executive branch's role, and requiring a statewide vote would not apply to most bills, as most are decided through the legislative process rather than a direct public referendum.