What are the meanings of “identical,” “similar,” and “compare” as they relate to the companion checking of bills?
A companion is a bill introduced in one house that is identical or similar to a bill introduced in the other house. Use of companion bills permits their concurrent analysis and deliberation by both houses. Companion bills which are identical word-for-word, including titles, are marked “identical” in bill history. However, Resolutions and Concurrent Resolutions are considered identical when the only difference is the word “House” or “Senate.” Companion bills are marked “similar” in bill history if they are substantially similar in text or have substantial portions of text that are identical or largely the same. If one word is different, the bills are “similar.” Companion bills with selected provisions that are similar in text are marked “compare” in bill history.
A companion is a bill introduced in one house that is identical or similar to a bill introduced in the other house. Use of companion bills permits their concurrent analysis and deliberation by both houses. Companion bills which are identical word-for-word, including titles, are marked “identical” in bill history. However, Resolutions and Concurrent Resolutions are considered identical when the only difference is the word “House” or “Senate.” Companion bills are marked “similar” in bill history if they are substantially similar in text or have substantial portions of text that are identical or largely the same. If one word is different, the bills are “similar.
