Explain the various stages of passing bill into law.

Stages of passing a bill into law

A bill is a proposed law before it is passed and assented to. It passes through the following stages in the legislature:

1. First Reading: The bill is formally introduced. Only the title is read out and copies are circulated to members. There is no debate at this stage.
2. Second Reading: The general principles and objectives of the bill are debated. Members argue for or against it, and a vote is taken on whether it should proceed. This is the most important stage.
3. Committee Stage: If it passes the second reading, the bill is referred to a committee (a select or the committee of the whole House) which examines it clause by clause, takes evidence and makes amendments.
4. Report Stage: The committee reports the amended bill back to the House. The amendments are considered and either accepted or rejected by the whole House.
5. Third Reading: The bill is considered in its final, amended form. Only minor verbal changes are allowed, and a final vote is taken to pass it.
6. Passage to the other chamber: In a bicameral legislature, the bill goes through the same stages in the second chamber. Any disagreement is resolved by a conference/joint committee.
7. Executive assent: The bill is sent to the Head of State (President/Governor), who signs it into law. It then becomes an Act (or Law) and takes effect. If he withholds assent, the legislature may override the veto by the required majority.