The Legislative Process

Bill 204 was given First Reading on Thursday, March 19, 2009 and was defeated at Second Reading on Monday, May 4, 2009.

Each year, private members (all MLAs who are not cabinet ministers) are placed into a draw to determine the order in which they can bring forward a private member's bill. Numbered 201 and up, private members' bills cannot directly call for the expenditure of government funds--this is the reason that Bill 204 requires the Minister of Finance to establish the Provincial-Municipal Tax Sharing Account, rather than setting it up directly.

Private members' bills are debated Monday afternoons between 3:00 and 5:00 when the Legislature is sitting. To be passed into law, a bill must pass each of the following stages:

First Reading takes place when the bill is introduced. The sponsoring member makes a brief statement about the bill's subject matter and a copy of the bill is given to all MLAs.

• Watch Bill 204 being introduced for First Reading.

At Second Reading, the principal of the bill is debated. Two hours are alloted in which MLAs from all parties may speak about the bill being debated.

• Watch Laurie commence debate at Second Reading.
• Watch Laurie close debate at Second Reading.
• Download a transcript of the entire Second Reading debate on Bill 204.
• Watch the vote on Bill 204 at Second Reading.

In Committee of the Whole, the specific clauses of the bill are debated for two hours. MLAs may bring forward amendments to specific sections of the bill.

Finally, at Third Reading, MLAs debate the effects the bill will have if passed into law. One hour is allowed for debate. If a bill passes third reading, it is taken to the Lieutenant Governor who gives Royal Assent to the Legislation. It can then be proclaimed into law.

Votes are taken at each stage of the legislative process. A majority of MLAs present must support the bill at each stage or it is defeated.