Where must revenue bills originate within the legislative process?

Revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives due to established legislative procedures rooted in the U.S. Constitution and many state processes. This origin requirement reflects the founding principle that tax-related measures must be initiated in the chamber that is closer to the electorate, ensuring that there is greater accountability to the public for fiscal decisions. The House is seen as the body more directly representative of the people, as its members are elected to shorter terms and represent smaller constituencies.

This rule is integral to maintaining a separation of powers, where the legislature initiates spending and taxation measures rather than leaving them in the hands of the executive branch or the more deliberative Senate. In many state legislative processes, such as in Wyoming, this structure aims to give the House more power over initial fiscal policy discussions.