Preparing 'as introduced' NI bill versions

From the Dashboard, find and open the relevant bill project

From the Project tab, find the shared version and duplicate it using Actions >Duplicate Version

Specify folder 02 As Introduced and version description As Introduced

Leave ‘strip page/line numbers’ selected

From the Project tab, open the appropriate document in the Editor

View the Document Information right-hand panel

Click on Update button and in the dialog box, update the following fields

1. Check the short title is correct,

2. Check the subtype is correct e.g. 'Executive Bill'

3. Update the Version rubric to “As Introduced”

4. Add the correct Mandate e.g. '22-27'

5. Add the bill number e.g. 'NIA Bill 22'

6. Add the introduction date

7. Add the Sponsor

Check document check warnings: generally “advisory” warnings can be ignored if you disagree with them; but mandatory ones would ideally be addressed.​

Check XML warnings: if any exist that you do not understand, then raise a support request and the support team will help fix the issue.

Check the ‘Review’ right-hand panel for any tracked changes or comments accidentally left in the document and remove these if there are.

Check for and delete all J-refs: ​these are references used by drafters when drafting the bill and should already have been removed before the bill is shared ready for introduction.

Run a spell-check over the whole document.

Insert front & back covers, including table of contents as required​.

Save changes to your document

Generate a PDF and check you are happy with the presentation (there are limited options for changing the presentation of a PDF, but you can insert page breaks within the text of the bill if needed)

Send PDF for checking