A bill is primarily a proposal for a new law or a proposal to change an existing law that is presented for debate before a legislative body such as Parliament or Congress. It goes through various stages of examination, discussion, and amendment. If both houses of the legislature agree on the content, the bill is then presented to the executive (such as a monarch or president) for approval, known as Royal Assent or similar. Once approved, the bill becomes an Act of Parliament or statute, which is law

. In addition to this legislative meaning, a bill can also refer to a document issued in business transactions that lists charges for goods or services provided. This type of bill acts as a request for payment, detailing the products or services, quantities, prices, and total amount due. It serves as a record of sale and a formal obligation for the buyer to pay the stated amount

. Other legal meanings of "bill" include a formal written complaint in court, an equitable pleading in a court of equity, a bill of exchange (a financial draft), or even paper money

Summary:

• Legislative bill: A draft law proposed for debate and approval before becoming law

• Business bill: An invoice or statement requesting payment for goods or services provided

• Other legal meanings: Formal court documents, financial instruments, or paper money