We are pleased to present this manual on Liberia’s legislative process developed in partnership with the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Members of the 52nd Legislature of the Republic of Liberia are committed to improving the quality and effectiveness of the legislative process. As representatives of the Liberian people, legislators are the eyes and ears of their constituents; they debate and adopt legislation to benefit all Liberians, and exercise oversight over the executive branch of government. In taking the oath of office, legislators commit themselves to uphold and defend the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Liberia and to conduct their responsibilities faithfully. This manual is intended to provide an overview of the steps a bill goes through on its way to becoming law. Every citizen should be well informed about the legislative process to increase understanding of news reports and discussions around the work of the legislature and to increase the meaningful input of citizens in democratic government. An open, transparent, and inclusive legislative process is one of the cornerstones of any democracy. In Liberia, the legislative process has been designed to give all sides an opportunity to be heard and share their views. The fact that a bill cannot become law without the passage of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and approval of the President is also a component of the inclusive approach to lawmaking in Liberia. This manual was designed as part of the modernization process of the Legislature. Our special thanks to the President of the Senate, President Pro-Tempore and members of the Senate; and the Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives for their support and leadership in this process. J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh, SECRETARY Liberian Senate Sr. James R. Kaba, Esq. CHIEF CLERK House of Representatives