« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
CHAPTER 4 - WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
4.1 Executive Response
The Executive will shortly begin to prepare its response to the consultation and will take into account the written comments received during the formal consultation and the contributions made by the public during the series of public meetings held earlier this year. The Executive intends to publish its response prior to the introduction of the Bill to the Scottish Parliament.
4.2 Introduction of the Bill to the Scottish Parliament
Once the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament has made a statement on legislative competence and the other pre-introduction steps have been taken, the Bill will be introduced formally to the Parliament. The Bill will be introduced as part of the legislative programme for 2006/07. Introduction is planned for June 2006.
4.3 Publication of the Bill and Accompanying Documents
On the day of introduction to the Scottish Parliament, the Bill and accompanying documents are sent to The Stationery Office for publication in hard copy and on the Parliament website. The accompanying documents include an Explanatory Note, a Financial Memorandum (setting out costs) and a Policy Memorandum (setting out policy objectives and rationale behind policy decisions).
4.4 Stage 1
Stage 1 - The Lead Committee reports to Parliament on the general principles of the Bill and their report will include a recommendation as to whether the general principles should be agreed to. In reaching its recommendation, the lead Committee can be expected to call for written and oral evidence. The Lead Committee Stage 1 report can be expected to include reports from other Committees ( e.g. the Finance Committee) as annexes.
4.5 Stage 2
As soon as a decision has been taken at Stage 1 in favour of the Bill, it is open to MSPs to lodge amendments. The principal role of the Stage 2 Committee is to dispose of amendments but it is also open to the Committee to take further evidence. An "As Amended" print of the Bill is made available at the end of Stage 2.
4.6 Stage 3 and Royal Assent
MSPs may lodge amendments for Stage 3 as soon as Stage 2 is completed. Stage 3 takes place at a full meeting of the Parliament. After proceedings on amendments the debate takes place as to whether the Parliament agrees that the Bill will be passed. If passed this is followed by Royal Assent.
Further details about the Parliamentary stages of a Bill can be found on the Scottish Parliament's website: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/
« Previous | Contents | Next »