Final answer:
The process for a standard to become effective includes requesting agency comments, holding hearings, amending the bill, and full Senate review. Once signed by the President or after ten days without a veto while Congress is in session, the bill becomes law. A standard becomes effective on the specified date in the final rule.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Legislative Process for Standards
What is the process for a standard to become effective, and when does it become effective once it has been passed? To answer this, we must look at the legislative process which involves multiple steps to ensure that a measure becomes a law.
- Written comments are requested from relevant executive agencies.
- Hearings gather information and views from experts outside of the committee.
- The committee amends the bill to perfect the measure.
- The measure with agreed-upon language is sent back to the full Senate, often with a report.
Once these steps are completed, the bill follows classic legislative processes. Both houses of Congress must pass the same bill. Afterward, it is sent to the President for signature. If the President signs it or does not veto it within ten days (excluding Sundays), the bill becomes law. Should the President veto the measure, Congress can override this with a two-thirds majority vote in both houses.
In some cases, the process can change; modern legislation differs by allowing alternate routes, such as omnibus bills or budget reconciliation processes. These routes can streamline the legislative process, especially during ideologically divided times or when comprehensive policy changes are necessary.
A standard becomes effective on the date specified within the final rule. For example, a final rule signed on October 1, 2015, could be effective December 28, 2015. This date provides time for affected entities to prepare and comply with the new regulations.