LAW MAKING

Describe the passage in which a bill becomes a law?

The bill starts in the House of Commons

1st reading

2nds reading

Committee Stage

Report Stage

3rd reading

Consideration of amendments

Royal Assent

Then goes through the same process in the House of Lords

What happen in the

What happens in the 1st Reading ?

1st reading

Formality stage

Bill is formally introduced to the House and there is no debate

What happens in the 2nd Reading?

1st opportunity for MP’s to debate principles

1st major vote takes place

What happens during the Committee stage?

• Public Bill Committee will often carry out a detailed examination of the bill ( consists of MP’s from all parties)

• take evidence from interested groups and outside experts

What happens during the Report Stage?

• findings reported back to the House and further amendments considered

• MP’s debate and vote ( often lasts several days

What happens during the 3rd Reading?

• debate immediately follows Report Stage

• Short and limited to what is in the Bill

• Cannot be amended at this stage

What happens after the 3rd Reading?

Goes to the House of Lords where in follows the exact same steps

What happens during the Consideration of amendments stage?

• penultimate stage

• 2 houses negotiate any amendments or changes to working till agreement and unanimity is reached

What happens during the Royal Assent stage?

• Once Royal Assent is granted a Bill becomes an Act

• Not personally granted by Monarch but is automatically given if the Bill has successfully passed both houses

What is a Green Paper?

Consultation document for stimulating discussion and opinion testing

What is a white paper?

Clearer outline of a proposed law before a Bill is formally passed