How Does a Bill Become Law In A State Legislature? Step 3. The bill is discussed and debated in committee, though not every bill which has been referred to a committee is considered. The committee may hold public hearings on the bill and may take several actions. It may report the bill with or without favorable or unfavorable recommendation; it can add amendments or replace the bill with a substitute; it can refuse to report the bill or take no actions; and it can report the bill with a recommendation that it be referred to another committee.