Bill

A statement of particulars, in writing, and more or less formal in arrangement. Distinctive qualifying terms are frequently omitted, the relation or context indicating the sense. Thus "bill," standing alone, is often used for bill of exchange, bill in equity, bill of indictment, etc. I. In Constitutional Law. A formal, public, written declaration of popular rights and liberties — restrictive of governmental power.

See further Right, 3, Bill of Rights. II.

In Legislation. The draft or form of an act presented to a legislature but not enacted. As, a bill of attainder, and money bills, qq. v. "Act" is the appropriate term for the document after it has been passed by the legislature: it is then something more than a draft or form.

See Act, 3; Pass, 2; Rider; Snake; Title, 2; Veto; Yeas and Nays.