How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law ~ The Legislative Process

The Legislative Process • Making laws in the most important part of parliament. • It has three components: Queen, Senate, and House of Commons. • Every bill must receive three readings. • A bill officially become a law when it has been passed by the House of Commons and the Senate, and when it receives royal accent from the Governor General.

First Reading • The bill is considered read for the first time and is put into print.

Second Reading • The principle and purpose of the bill are debated.

The Committee Stage • Following second reading, most bills are referred to a committee. • Committee members study the bill, clause by clause.

Report Stage • Members can make other amendments (changes) to the bill.

Third Reading • Members debate and vote on the bill.

Bill Enters Senate • The bill follows a similar process in the senate: • First reading • Second reading • Committee • Report • Third reading

Royal Accent • The bill receives royal accent by the Governor General, after already passing through the House of Commons and Senate.

The Legislative Process

How a Bill Becomes a Law