What is the first thing that must happen for a bill to become a federal law? a citizen must let the legislature know what law he wants. the president or governor must send the bill to the legislature. the bill must be introduced in the legislature. the bill must be sent from a committee to the full house or senate.

A citizen must let the legislature know what law he wants. An idea for a bill can come from any citizen, but only Members of Congress can introduce a bill in Congress. Bills can be introduced at any time the House is in session. After the idea for a bill is initiated and the text of the bill is written, a Member of Congress officially introduces the bill in Congress by becoming the bill's sponsor.