How a Bill becomes a Law

Stages on a Bill becoming Law

Stage 1

The whole Parliament will debate the bill. The first debate discusses whether the bill is a good idea or not. The MSPs will then vote on the bill. If the majority are in favour of the Bill then it will pass to the next stage

Stage 2

One of Parliament's committees will now examine the Bill in detail. THis Committee will be the on ehtat the Bill is linked to (i.e. a health bill will be linked to the Health Committee). The Committee can make ammendments (Changes) to the bill at this stage. The Committe then reports to Parliament

Stage 3

The whole Parliament debate the Bill. This is a full debate where MSPs may submit ammendments to the bill, these are voted on one at a time. MSPs then vote on the bill and if the majority agree the bill will become Law

ROYAL ASSENT

The Monarch must sugn all bills before they can officially beomce a law. This procedure reflects the fact that Scotland is part of the UK and that all UK legislation must recieve Royal Assent