A Bill is a draft law. Bills are either:
- public - seeking to change the general law, or
- private - seeking powers for a particular individual or organisation that are in excess of or in conflict with the general law
Public Bills can be introduced by:
- a member of the Scottish Government / Executive (an “Executive Bill”)
- a parliamentary committee (a “Committee Bill”), or
- an individual member of Parliament (a "Member’s Bill”)
Where a public bill includes provisions similar in nature to those of a private bill, it is referred to as a hybrid bill. A hybrid bill may only be introduced by a member of the Scottish Government / Executive.
For general information on Bills and the legislative process contact the Legislation Team.
A quick reference guide to the legislative process.
A Private Bill is introduced by a promoter, who may be a person, a company or a group of people, for the purpose of obtaining particular powers or benefits that are in addition to, or in conflict with, the general law.
A Hybrid Bill is a Public Bill which adversely affects a particular interest of a person or a body in a way that is different to the interests of other people or bodies in the same category or class.
The procedures and requirements for processing Bills through the Scottish Parliament.