How are laws passed in the Scottish parliament? Aim: To describe how bills are passed in the Scottish Parliament and give examples of recent bills.

The Scottish Parliament make new laws on any devolved matter. Proposals for new laws are introduced to Parliament as bills, similarly to the UK Parliament. There are four types of bills that can be introduced This is to ensure that a variety of people can attempt to introduce new laws and ensure the parliament is open, fair and accessible.

Examples of Current Bills

Executive Bills These are introduced by the government and account for the majority of legislation. An example is The Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Bill which was introduced by John Swinny and passed in January This bill removed the charge (tolls) on the Forth Road Bridge, Erskine Bridge and Tay Bridge.

Members Bills Each MSP is entitled to introduce two Members Bills in each parliamentary session. Approximately 10 percent of bills are Members Bills. The Scottish register of Tartans Bill was introduced by MSP Jamie McGrigor in 2008.

Committee Bills Committee bills only make up a small proportion of bills passed in the parliament. The Commissioner for Children and Young People (Scotland) Act was a bill introduced by the Education, Culture and Sports Committee. It was passed on 26 th March 2003.

Private Bills A Private Bill is introduced by a promoter, who may be a person, a company or a group of people, and usually relates to development projects. For example The Stirling to Alloa railway link was established in 2004 due to a private bill.

Passing of a Bill Describe four types of Bill that can be introduced. Give examples where possible.

Activity Copy and complete the following table using page 34 of course notes textbook to help you. StageWhat happens? Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Royal Assent

What I have learned today… There are 4 different type of bills – Executive, members, committee and private bills. Each bill has 4 distinct stages to pass before it becomes a law.