Skip to content
The Bill to Law Game Beta
Legislative glossary

Rider

Also known as: Christmas tree · omnibus

Definition

An unrelated provision attached to a moving bill, taking advantage of its momentum. A bill that accumulates many is sometimes called a 'Christmas tree': ornamented with so many riders it survives because too many members want one of its passengers. An 'omnibus' bill goes further still, intentionally bundling many separate measures into one package.

Why it matters

A rider hitches unrelated policy to a bill that's already moving: ideally one too important to fail. Must-pass budget bills collect riders the way ships collect barnacles, and end-of-session omnibus packages pass thousand-page bundles with hours of review. It's opportunism, but it's also often the only road for policy that could never survive a clean vote of its own.

In the game

Late in The Bill to Law Game's session, allies and opportunists alike may try to ride your bill. Extra cargo can buy votes, and give the governor a fresh reason to veto.