Public Bill - Project Open Gov

A bill that would change the law as it applies to the general public.

Also used as: public bill, public bills, public legislation

Source / explainer: Read UK Parliament information on public bills

Last reviewed: 21 August 2026

A Public Bill is a bill that would change the law as it applies to the general public. Most major Government legislation is introduced as a public bill, and Private Members’ Bills are also a type of public bill. Public bills are different from private bills, which affect specific people, organisations or localities.

Related terms

BillA proposed law that must pass through Parliament before it can become an Act.Government BillA bill introduced by the Government rather than by an individual MP or peer.Hybrid BillA public bill that affects certain people or bodies in a particular way beyond the general public.Private Member’s BillA bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not acting on behalf of the government.