The term "state legislature" refers to a lawmaking body within each individual state in the United States. This group is responsible for creating and passing laws that govern their specific state, as well as approving the state's budget. State legislatures are composed of two chambers - one being the Senate and the other being the House of Representatives or another chamber with a similar name. Each state has its own unique system and procedures for how bills become law, but generally speaking, these laws must be approved by both chambers before they can be sent to the governor for signature or veto. State legislatures typically meet on a part-time basis, usually for several months at a time during odd years, with additional sessions called as needed.