What is the approval process?

IMPORTANT NOTE. We are currently in the process of updating this information in light of the Welsh referendum result. Click here for information on the result and what happens next. In the meantime, please feel free to contact us with any questions.

The following process is observed:

Stage 1 - introducing the proposed measure

  • the proposed Measure is laid with an explanatory memo setting out the policy objectives, what the provisions in the Measure are intended to achieve, any cost implications, whether alternative methods of achieving the objectives have been considered and the outcome of any pre-legislative consultation that has been undertaken

  • a statement by the Presiding Officer accompanies the above proposal stating whether it falls within the legislative competencies of the Assembly

  • the Business Committee decides whether or not the general principles of the proposal need to be considered by one of the legislation Committees

  • if not, then the Member in charge of the proposal can propose that the Assembly agree to the general principles by a vote in Plenary (ie full Assembly meeting)

  • if the proposed Measure does go to a legislation Committee, it must consider and report on the general principles before the proposal can go forward for a vote in Plenary

  • amendments are not permitted at this stage and if the Assembly does not agree at the Plenary vote stage then the Measure fails

Stage 2 - detailed consideration by a legislation Committee

Once the Assembly has agreed to the general principles, the Business Committee must decide on the route for detailed committee consideration. It can either refer the proposal to:

  • one of the legislation Committees, or
  • a Committee of the Whole Assembly

  • there is line-by-line examination of the text of the proposed Measure

  • amendments can be tabled by any Assembly Member and the Committee must consider all of the tabled amendments

Stage 3 - detailed consideration by the Assembly

  • the amended proposed Measure is considered line-by-line by the whole Assembly in Plenary

  • amendments may be tabled by any Assembly Member but unlike Stage 2 where all tabled amendments must be considered, in this stage the Presiding Officer decides which amendments will be considered

  • the proposing Member or any Government member may then propose further amendments but only for the purpose of clarification

Stage 4 - final vote in Plenary

  • final vote in Plenary for the whole Assembly to pass the Measure

  • no amendments are allowed at this stage and if the Assembly does not agree at this stage then the Measure fails

Stage 5 - royal approval

  • The Queen in Privy Council gives Royal Assent