Bhutanese Bill to Act

Contrary to prevailing notions, there is no guarantee that a Bill once introduced to Parliament will become an Act in one single session. In fact, the introduction of a bill to parliament is one of the last stages of a long process that results in the creation of an Act.

Here is a summary of the milestones in the journey of a bill.

A dummy’s guide to legislative procedure

1. Identifying a Bill
Government Bill : A government agency identifies the need of a bill and puts it to the lhengye zhungstog (cabinet).

A private bill can also be introduced through a member of parliament. A private bill is one that originates from outside the government; for example, from BCCI. A group of professionals, for instance, a group of engineers, can propose a bill through a member of the parliament.

If the Lhengye Zhungtshog accepts the proposed bill, relevant stakeholders are called for meeting.

2. Drafting
A drafting committee drafts the bill, which could take months to years. For example, the RMA bill took more than five years to draft. The draft is then sent back to the cabinet for approval. The cabinet, after scrutinising it, sends it to the national assembly.

3. Readings:
1st reading
The bill is introduced to the house during the first reading. Members discuss if the bill should be deliberated or not. Sometimes members even vote to decide whether to deliberate or not.

2nd reading
The general principles/merits of the bill are discussed during the 2nd reading. After this reading, the bill is sent to the relevant committees of the parliament. The committee discuss and report it to the house, with the changes or amendment/s proposed.

3rd reading
The bill is debated in the house, clause by clause, chapter by chapter. All the readings are normally done in one session, but sometimes it can be postponed to the next session.

4. Motion
Members in charge of the bill move the motion to pass the bill. (The motion cannot be moved on the same day of the 3rd reading)

The bill is then sent to the national council, where the whole process of reading is repeated, and this could also take at the most two sessions.

The bill is sent back to the assembly, with the amendment/s proposed. In case the bill is not returned, it is deemed passed and presented to the Druk Gyalpo for assent.

If the bill is returned with the amendment/s proposed, NA will deliberate the bill and, if they agree to the amendments of the council, the bill is endorsed.

In case of a disagreement the bill is sent to the parliament’s joint committee.

4b. Joint sitting
The joint committee sends the bill to the joint sitting with proposed amendments, where it is discussed, voted on and passed.

5. Assent
The Bill is sent to the Druk Gyalpo within 15 days of passing for assent; after which it becomes an Act.

6. Implementation
Once enacted, relevant agencies prepare to implement it, which requires drawing up rules and regulations; and is another long drawn story altogether. Source: Kuenselonline