Which definition best explains a "bill"?

A "bill" is defined as a proposed law that has been submitted to either the House or Senate. This definition captures the essence of the legislative process, where an idea for a new law begins as a bill, introduced by a member of the legislative body to be debated and potentially enacted into law.

This stage is crucial because it marks the beginning of the legislation's journey through the legislative process, where it will undergo discussions, amendments, and voting. The term "bill" specifically implies that it is still a proposal and has not yet passed both chambers of the legislature or been signed into law by the executive.

In contrast, while a law that has been enacted represents the culmination of the legislative process, it does not define a bill; rather, it describes the end result. A document outlining government regulations could refer to administrative rules or policies, which are not the same as a legislative bill. Lastly, a summary of legislative intent is typically found in the introduction to a bill or legislative analysis but does not constitute the bill itself. Hence, the definition of a bill as a proposed law that is under consideration aligns perfectly with its role within the legislative framework.