Bill - Project Open Gov

A proposed law that must pass through Parliament before it can become an Act.

Also used as: bills

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament bill process explainer

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

A bill is a proposal for a new law, or for changes to an existing law. A bill must pass through several stages in Parliament, and usually must be agreed by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, before it can receive Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament.

Related terms

Bill StageOne of the formal steps a bill must pass through as it moves through Parliament.Bill Stage VoteA parliamentary vote taken as part of a bill’s progress through one of its formal stages.Bills before ParliamentThe official UK Parliament service for tracking bills currently or recently before Parliament.Committee StageThe stage where a bill is examined in detail and amendments can be considered line by line.First ReadingThe formal introduction of a bill in a House, normally without debate on its substance.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.legislation.gov.ukThe official online source for UK legislation, managed by The National Archives.Private Member’s BillA bill introduced by an MP or peer who is not acting on behalf of the government.Second ReadingThe stage where Parliament debates the main principles and purpose of a bill.