(a) At the times specified in this section and § 3-2-109, members of the general assembly are hereby authorized to prefile legislative bills and resolutions for introduction in the next succeeding regular legislative session.

(b) Bills and resolutions may be prefiled at the following times:

(1) In the case of both senators and representatives, from the time that a member-elect has received the certificate of election until the next succeeding regular legislative session;

(2) In the case of both senators and representatives, from the adjournment of the regular legislative session in odd-numbered years until the convening of the regular legislative session in even-numbered years; and

(3) In the case of senators, from the date of each general election of representatives at which senators are not regularly elected until the next succeeding regular legislative session.

(c) Bills and resolutions which are prefiled under this section and § 3-2-109 shall be in such final and correct form for introduction in the general assembly as is required by the constitution, laws, and rules of the respective houses of the general assembly.

(d) The original copy of every bill and resolution prefiled shall be inspected by an attorney for the legislative drafting service.

(e) Any bill or resolution prefiled under this section and § 3-2-109 shall be mailed to the chief clerk of either house by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery by a member of the general assembly who is one of the authors of the bill or resolution, and in the case of personal delivery the office of the chief clerk of either house shall deliver a signed receipt therefor to such author.

(f) Any standing committee may prefile any bill or resolution at any time when a senator or representative is authorized to prefile bills and resolutions under this section. Bills or resolutions filed under authority of this subsection (f) shall be filed by the chair or vice chair of the standing committee in the same manner as such chair or vice chair would prefile a bill of which such person was the author, or in the event neither the chair nor vice chair desires to sign the bill any member of the committee voting with the majority of the committee may introduce it. Before prefiling any bill or resolution under authority of this subsection (f), the chair or vice chair shall be authorized to make such prefiling by a majority vote of the members of the committee.

(g) The chief clerk of either the senate or the house of representatives shall number the bill or resolution and note thereon the date of the prefiling and the date of the first day of the next session of the general assembly on which it will be first considered and passed. The procedures for printing and distribution shall be the same for prefiled bills and resolutions as if the general assembly were in regular session.