Creating a New Note
Note: Creating new notes should be done by staff only.If you feel that a note is necessary but an applicable note does not exist for the concerned entry or stage, you may need to create a new note. First search notes for that state, in case a note already exists for a different type of legislation or stage. If you find the note you're looking for, amend it by adding the appropriate type of legislation or stage. If there are no search results, there is still a chance you won't have to create a new note. There might be another state that has a note available that can be used for the state you're currently dealing with. In this case, click the "Add New Note" button and search for an existing note (this is not state-specific). You can search by note title or note description. If you're unsure of what search terms to use, leave the text box blank and all notes will be displayed. If you find a note from another state that will work, add the needed state to that note. Be sure to carefully scrutinize the description of the note as there might be some differences between the two states that will nullify the addition of the state. If you're unable to locate an existing note, create a new one by clicking the "Proceed to insert new note" button. Here's an example:
A note only needs to be created (or selected for an entry or status) for two reasons. First, if anything on the site might give confusion. For example, if a vote failed with more "Yea" than "Nay" votes, there would have to be a clarification note because that could easily confuse someone. The second reason is if a disclaimer needs to be made. For example, if a bill was substituted and there was a separate sponsor for the substitute we would want to note that.
When creating a new note, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Use capitalized text for the entirety of the note.
- Introduce the note as follows: "NOTE:".
- Make the note as specific as possible, so as to clear up any confusion, but also try to make it as succinct as possible. Try to limit it to three sentences.
- Check for grammar and syntax problems.
Here are some examples:
- Substitute Bill (multiple states). This is an example a disclaimer highlight.
NOTE: THIS IS A SUBSTITUTE BILL, MEANING THE LANGUAGE OF THE ORIGINAL BILL HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE DEGREE TO WHICH THE SUBSTITUTE BILL TEXT DIFFERS FROM THE PREVIOUS VERSION OF THE TEXT CAN VARY GREATLY.
- Motion to Waive the Budget Act (Congress). This is an example of a clarification highlight.
NOTE: A MOTION TO WAIVE THE BUDGET ACT, IF ADOPTED, TEMPORARILY SETS ASIDE A SPECIFIC PROVISION OF THE BUDGET ACT OF 1974 SO THAT AN AMENDMENT THAT VIOLATES THE ACT MAY BE CONSIDERED. A 3/5 MAJORITY IS REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION.
- Budget Session - 2/3 Requirement (Wyoming). This is an example of a clarification highlight.
NOTE: THIS LEGISLATION WAS INTRODUCED DURING THE BUDGET SESSION (EVEN NUMBERED YEARS), AS OPPOSED TO THE GENERAL SESSION (ODD NUMBERED YEARS). BECAUSE IT IS NOT RELATED TO THE BUDGET, THE LEGISLATION REQUIRES 2/3 MAJORITY FOR PASSAGE.
- Cloture Motion (Nebraska). This is an example of a clarification highlight.
NOTE: INVOKING CLOTURE REQUIRES A MINIMUM OF 33 VOTES. IT IS NOT A VOTE TO PASS THE LEGISLATION, BUT A VOTE TO CEASE DEBATE AND PROCEED TO VOTE ON PASSAGE OF THE LEGISLATION.
- Returned by Governor with Amendments (Massachusetts). This is an example of a clarification highlight.
NOTE: THE GOVERNOR RETURNED THE LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATURE WITH RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS. IF THE LEGISLATION IS REPASSED IN ANY FORM, THE GOVERNOR MAY SIGN OR VETO THE LEGISLATION, BUT CANNOT RETURN THE LEGISLATION TO THE LEGISLATURE WITH AMENDMENTS A SECOND TIME.
- Receeding from Amendments (New Mexico). This is an example of a clarification highlight.
NOTE: THIS IS A VOTE ON A MOTION TO RECEDE FROM 1 OR MORE AMENDMENTS PREVIOUSLY ADOPTED BY THIS CHAMBER BUT WERE REJECTED BY THE OPPOSING CHAMBER ON CONCURRENCE
