Guide to the Legislative Process

Published 01/08/2020   |   Last Updated 04/06/2024   |   Reading Time minutes

A Bill is a draft law. Once a Bill has been considered and passed by the Senedd and given Royal Assent by the Monarch, it becomes an 'Act of Senedd Cymru'. The Senedd is able to pass Acts on any matters that are not reserved to the UK Parliament by the Government of Wales Act 2006 (as amended by the Wales Act 2017).

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Legislation Guidance and Documents

The following links and documents have been provided to give more detailed information about the Senedd's Legislative Processes:

Guide to Public Bills and Acts

A Public Bill may be introduced by the Welsh Government, a Senedd Committee, an individual Member or the Senedd Commission. The Senedd procedures relevant to Public Bills are set out in Standing Order 26.

There is generally a four-stage process for the consideration of a Public Bill involving:

  • Stage 1 – consideration of the general principles of the Bill by a committee, and the agreement of those general principles by the Senedd;
  • Stage 2 – detailed consideration by a committee of the Bill and any amendments tabled to that Bill;
  • Stage 3 – detailed consideration, by the Senedd, of the Bill and any amendments tabled to that Bill;
  • Stage 4 – a vote by the Senedd to pass the final text of the Bill.

There is an optional, additional amending stage, called the Report Stage, which can take place between stages 3 and 4, if proposed by the Member in Charge and agreed by the Senedd.

Guide to Consolidation Bills

A Consolidation Bill may be introduced by a member of the Government for the purpose of consolidating existing primary legislation, secondary legislation, and common law (Standing Order 26C.2).

There is generally a four-stage process for the consideration of a Consolidation Bill, involving:

  • Initial Consideration – the responsible committee must consider and report on whether the Bill should proceed as a Consolidation Bill;
  • Detailed Committee Consideration – detailed consideration by the responsible committee of the Bill and any amendments tabled to that Bill. The responsible Committee must also consider and report on whether the Bill should proceed to Detailed Senedd Consideration or to Final stage;
  • Detailed Senedd Consideration – detailed consideration, by the Senedd, of the Bill and any amendments tabled to that Bill;
  • Final Stage – a vote by the Senedd to pass the final text of the Bill.

Guide to Consolidation Bills (PDF 171KB)

Guide to Private Bills

A Private Bill is a Bill introduced by individuals or organisations outside the Senedd for the purpose of obtaining powers for themselves that are in excess of, or in conflict with, the general law. The Senedd procedures relevant to Private Bills are set out in Standing Order 26A.

There are currently no Private Bills in progress.

Ballots for Member Bills

The Presiding Officer must from time to time hold a Ballot to determine the name of a Member, other than a Member of the Government, who may seek agreement to introduce a Member Bill.

In order to be eligible for the ballot, Members must table the pre-ballot information required in accordance with Standing Order 26.90.

Presiding Officer’s Determination on Proper Form

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