DIY Laws:Stages of a bill race

and Pass/Block cards

Laws are made in Parliament. Before a law can be made, you must first have an idea for a law called a ‘bill’.

Stages of a bill race

A bill can start in either House. It must be discussed in both Houses before becoming a law.

Stages of a bill race

After the bill has been drafted it has its First Reading. This is where the title of the bill is read out in Parliament so that everyone knows about it.

Stages of a bill race

This is where the bill is explained in detail. Members of Parliament debate their reasons why they might agree or disagree with it. They then vote on it and the vote decides if it passes to the next stage.

Stages of a bill race

A small group of Members look at the bill in detail and suggest changes.

Stages of a bill race

The committee reports on the changes they have made to the whole House.

Stages of a bill race

The bill is read for a third time now that changes have been made. The House votes on whether they still want it to become a law.

Stages of a bill race

The bill passes to the other House and it goes through all of these stages again. The other House may make changes and pass it back to the first House. Both Houses must agree on the changes so it can pass back and forth for up to a year.

Stages of a bill race

The Queen is Head of State and must agree to the bill. This is the final stage. The bill then becomes an Act of Parliament.

Stages of a bill race

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