What must occur for a bill to become law in Georgia?

For a bill to become law in Georgia, it must be passed by both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly—the House of Representatives and the Senate—and then signed by the Governor. This process ensures that the proposed legislation has been thoroughly debated and approved by representatives of the public before it receives the Governor's formal endorsement.

The requirement that both chambers must approve the bill reflects the bicameral legislative structure in Georgia, similar to the federal government. Once both chambers agree on the final version of the bill, it is then sent to the Governor, who has the authority to either sign it into law, veto it, or take no action (after which the bill can still become law if not vetoed within a specific time frame).

The other options do not accurately represent the necessary steps for a bill to become law. While public referendums and a simple majority in the Senate may play roles in other legislative contexts, they do not encompass the comprehensive process required for bill enactment in Georgia. Additionally, a bill does not need to be filed by the Governor; in fact, it is typically introduced by a member of the General Assembly.