QuébecPolitique.com
- Système politique:
Legislative Process
FR EN ESThere are two kind of bills: Public bills and Private bills. Any Member may introduce a public bill before the National Assembly, although bills involving financial commitments must be tabled by a Minister. Private bills are introduced by MNAs on behalf of the individuals or groups who wish to see the bill passed into law.
Public bills
The legislative process includes several stages which a bill must pass through before it becomes law:
I- Introduction or Tabling (First reading)
The Member introducing a public bill tables it and reads the explanatory notes that summarize its contents. A motion proposing that leave be granted to introduce the bill is voted on without debate.
II- General Consultation
If the bill in question concerns a new law or if it alters the basis of a system already in existence, the National Assembly may choose to refer it to one of the 10 standing committees for public hearings. There, interested groups and individuals may present comments and suggestions to the legislators.
III- Passage in Principle (Second reading)
At the time chosen by the Government House Leader, the National Assembly begins a debate on the relevance of the bill and votes on its underlying principle.
IV- Detailed Consideration in Committee
Once the motion proposing passage in principle of the bill has been carried, the bill is sent or returned to the standing committee. The standing committee gives close consideration to the specific content of the bill, and to its application.
Each clause undergoes detailed examination, and any member of the committee may propose changes (i.e. amendments, adding or deleting clauses from the bill). However, the principles adopted during the preceding stage must remain intact.
V- Consideration of Report from Committee
The results of the committee's work are submitted to the Assembly by chairman of the standing committee. His report must be adopted by the National Assembly before the bill can move on to the following stage. Again, at this point, last-minute amendments may be made.
VI- Passage (Third reading)
Passage of the bill takes place after a brief debate during which each parliamentary group sums up its comments and states its position regarding the bill. Debate on the motion for adoption of the bill is restricted to the bill's contents.
VII- Assent by Lieutenant Governor
Assent, the last stage of the legislative process, is a ceremony at which the Lieutenant Governor signs the official copy of the bill once it has been passed. The bill becomes law, and comes into effect either on the day of assent, at a later date mentioned in the bill, or, where so provided in the bill, at a later date fixed by government order.
Private bills
A private bill is tabled by a Member on behalf of individuals ou groups who wish to see the bill passed into law. It's purpose it to grant to an individual, a corporation or a municipality exclusive or particular rights and privileges. They must pass through five stages to become a law:
I- Introduction or Tabling (First reading)
II- General Consultation and Detailed Consideration in Committee
During the legislative process for a private bill, general consultations and detailed consideration of the bill constitute one single step.
III- Consideration of Report from Committee
IV- Passage in principle (Second reading)
V- Passage (Third reading)
Generally, the bill goes through the stages of passage in principle and passage without debate during the same sitting, unless five Members oppose its passage.
VI- Assent by Lieutenant Governor
Sources
Thibault, Richard. 1993. Qu'est-ce que l'Assemblée nationale?. Édition mise à jour. Québec : Assemblée nationale du Québec, Direction générale de l'information, Direction des communications et de l'accueil.
Dernière mise à jour: 11 novembre 2004