The Legislative Service Office, known as the LSO, is a group of 42 nonpartisan, paid advisers for the legislators. Bills are drafted by a standing or appointed committee, a legislator, or very often, the LSO. Each starts its journey assigned a number and a chamber; two almost identical bills may start in each chamber. In practice, a bill with a lower number has better success, so it’s best to “hand it off” to the LSO early.

Tax and spending bills start in the House. A bill hosted by an individual begins in his/her chamber. A bill introduced by an interim committee represents both chambers and typically starts in the chamber of the bill’s strongest supporters own that committee.