In the legislative process, what is meant by the term "concurrence"?

In the legislative process, what is meant by the term "concurrence"?

• A. It means that both houses must agree on the wording before a bill will pass.
• B. It means that the governor must agree on the wording before a bill will pass.
• C. It means that all citizens must agree on the wording before a bill will pass.
• D. It means that the judicial branch must agree on the wording before a bill will pass.

Answer: (A)

In the legislative process, "concurrence" refers specifically to the requirement that both houses of a bicameral legislature—like the New Mexico legislature—must agree on the exact wording of a bill before it can be finalized and passed into law. This concept is essential because it ensures that both chambers have the same understanding and approval of the legislation being considered, maintaining the balance of power within the legislative branch. The other options involve agreements that are not part of the legislative process concerning a bill's passage. The governor's agreement is necessary for a bill to become law after it has passed both houses, but concurrence itself specifically pertains to the legislative process. Similarly, requiring all citizens or the judicial branch to agree on the wording does not reflect how legislation is enacted and approved within the legislative framework. Thus, the definition capturing the necessity of both houses agreeing on wording aligns with the legislative process's procedural requirements.

In the legislative process, "concurrence" refers specifically to the requirement that both houses of a bicameral legislature—like the New Mexico legislature—must agree on the exact wording of a bill before it can be finalized and passed into law. This concept is essential because it ensures that both chambers have the same understanding and approval of the legislation being considered, maintaining the balance of power within the legislative branch.

The other options involve agreements that are not part of the legislative process concerning a bill's passage. The governor's agreement is necessary for a bill to become law after it has passed both houses, but concurrence itself specifically pertains to the legislative process. Similarly, requiring all citizens or the judicial branch to agree on the wording does not reflect how legislation is enacted and approved within the legislative framework. Thus, the definition capturing the necessity of both houses agreeing on wording aligns with the legislative process's procedural requirements.