Bills, Hearings and other Legislative Material [Rule 13]

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Federal Bills and Resolutions - Rule 13.2

Federal Bills

You would only cite federal bills when (1) they are un-enacted or, (2) for legislative history. Otherwise, they are statutes. Also, if there are multiple versions of a bill in the same Congress, you can indicate a date referring to the particular iteration in the parenthetical.

Act name, House Abbreviation; Bill Number, Number of Congress; Section (year).

For example,

The Crofting Act, S. 726, 104th Cong. § 3 (1996)

H.R. 726, 104th Cong. § 3 (1996)

Add the Act Name only if it is particularly relevant or is the Act name is commonly known.

Federal Resolutions

Simple and concurrent resolutions relate to the internal operations of either or both houses. Joint resolutions are required to propose amendments to the Constitution. Indicate in the parenthetical an enactment. Parallel cite to the congressional record or statutes-at-large if it would aid in location.

For example,

S. Res. 144, 106th Cong. (1999)

H.R. Res. 888, 109th Cong. (2004) (enacted)

S. Res. 144, 106th Cong., 100 Cong. Rec. 2393 (1999) (enacted)

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Federal Hearings - Rule 13.3

Cite as follows,

Cover title of hearing, Identification of Subcommittee/Committee/Bill Number (if availble), Number of Congress, Pinpoint cite (if any) (Year).

For example,

Hearing on Personal Jurisdiction of Private Mercenaries before S. Committee, 108th Cong. 25 (2000).

Info: Citing to page 25 of the hearing transcript.

Also, the identification of subcommittee, etc. may be in the title of the hearing.

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State Material - Rule 13

Similiar to federal bills and resolutions, except indicate the proper abbreviation for the state leglislative body according to Table 9. Include the state in the parenthetical (abbreviated according to Table 10). Follow Table 1 therein if different.

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Other areas to note

Reports - read and follow Rule 13.4, for example H.R. Rep. No. 98-877 (1999).

Debates - read and follow Rule 13.5. For Federal debates, use the Congressional Record, for example 111 Cong. Rec. 17 (1989).

Short Forms - See Rule 13.7

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