2.3 The legislative process Flashcards
What is a legislative bill?
A proposal for a new law - or a change to an existing law, which is brought before parliament
- Can be introduced in either Commons or Lords
What is an act of parliament?
A bill that has completed all its stages in parliament and has become law.
Name the types of bills
1) Government bill or public bill
2) Private bill
3) Hybrid bill
4) Private member’s bill
What are govt/public bills?
Most important type of proposal - can be debated in parliament.
Can be brought forward by ministers to change public policy
E.g. - reorganisation of the NHS which was brought about by the 2012 Health and Social Care Act
What are private bills?
Much less common - sponsored by an organisation such as a company or local authority - with intention of changing the law as it affects that organisation
Group affected has right to petition parliament against it
- E.g. - 2013 London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act - introduced new powers for dealing with obstructions caused by builders and road users in the capital
What are hybrid bills?
Has characteristics of both a public and private bill - proposes changes to the law which would affect the general public, but certain groups or areas in particular.
E.g. - bill to build the HS2 rail link from London to Birmingham (and then to Manchester and Leeds).
What are private member’s bills?
Affects whole pop. - introduced by individual backbench MP or member of the Lords - much less likely than a govt bill to become law
- Depend on time being found for them to complete all their stages in parliament
- Commons - at start of each session - names of MPs applying to introduce a private member’s bill drawn in a ballot
- Alternative is for a member to make proposal using ‘ten minute rule’ - allows for little more than airing of an issue in a speech - must last no more than 10 mins
E.g.:
- Imposition of a duty on councils and NHS services to look after people with autism, passed in 2009 which was initiated by Cheryl Gillan MP
What are the stages of the passing of a bill, starting in the Commons?
Commons: 1) 1st reading 2) 2nd reading 3) Committee stage 4) Report stage 5) 3rd reading Lords: 1) 1st reading 2) 2nd reading 3) Committee stage 4) Report 5) 3rd reading ROYAL ASSENT
What are the stages of the passing of a bill, starting in the Lords?
Lords: 1) 1st reading 2) 2nd reading 3) Committee stage 4) Report 5) 3rd reading Commons: 1) 1st reading 2) 2nd reading 3) Committee stage 4) Report stage 5) 3rd reading ROYAL ASSENT
How does a bill originate?
- It may originate as a Green Paper (document setting out options for legislation and inviting consultation) and/or a White Paper (a more detailed statement of the govt’s intentions)
- This whole stage is not compulsory
What happens in the 1st reading of a bill?
- 1st compulsory stage
- Bill more available to MPs - isn’t debate or voted on at this stage
What happens in the 2nd reading of a bill?
- Principle of the bill is debated
- A vote may be taken if it is contested
What happens in the committee stage of a bill?
- Bill is scrutinised in detail by a public bill committee - formerly known as standing committee
- Membership of committee reflects strength of parties in the Commons
- Amendments may be made at this stage if the govt is prepared to accept them
What happens in the report stage of a bill?
- Whole house considers amendments made at the committee stage and may accept or reject them
What happens in the 3rd reading of a bill?
- Amended bill is debated and voted on by the whole House
