Government Glossary

Identical Bill

Short Definition

A bill that is word-for-word identical to another bill. Bills are characterized as identical to each other at the.

Long Explanation

A bill that is word-for-word identical to another bill. Bills are characterized as identical to each other at the introduced stage only, even though a later (e.g., reported or passed) version of a bill might meet the same criteria for text similarity. Companion measures, procedurally-related measures, and legislation with text similarities are other related bill types. Read more About Related Bills.

In practice, Identical Bill is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple exampleA visitor sees “Identical Bill” on an official page and uses the term as a clue about which agency, branch, rule, record, or service is involved.
Civic exampleA reader checks the official source, identifies who has authority, and follows related Guide pages when the term connects to a larger public issue.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Identical Bill as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.

Related Terms

Legislative ProcessLegislation