Legislative procedure in Bavaria
The legislative procedure in Bavaria is regulated by the constitution of the Free State of Bavaria and the rules of procedure of the state parliament and proceeds as follows:
Legislative initiative
The bills can be introduced from the center of the state parliament, by the prime minister on behalf of the state government or within the framework of popular legislation through popular petitions. To initiate a referendum, at least 25,000 signatures are required; to be successful, at least one tenth of the citizens entitled to vote must register in lists within 2 weeks. (Art. 71 and 74 BV)
Treatment in the state parliament
All bills, including successful plebiscites, are submitted to the President of the State Parliament and dealt with in two readings , unless a third reading is requested. For the readings, the bills are to be put on the agenda of the state parliament.
First reading
Only the principles of the original are discussed in the first reading. Amendments cannot be made. If the bill is not rejected, the Landtag assigns it to the lead committee for further processing.
The committees
Under the direction of the lead committee, the committees deliberate in detail on the bill and pass a resolution that goes to the plenary meeting as a "recommendation for a resolution".
Second reading
The second reading begins at the earliest on the third day after the final discussion of the final committee. A general discussion usually takes place. Individual consultation of all provisions of the draft law or individual voting only takes place if this is requested by a member of the state parliament or a parliamentary group. Motions to amend the draft law can be submitted up to the end of the second reading.
Third reading
A third reading is only available on special request. It is based on the resolutions of the second reading.
Final vote
At the end of the readings, the adoption - unchanged or in the version modified in the committees or still in the plenary meeting - or rejection of the bill will be voted on.
Referendums
After a successful referendum, the state parliament has the option of adopting this draft law unchanged, so that it becomes a law. If the state parliament rejects the draft, a referendum will be carried out in which the state parliament may also submit its own proposal. Citizens can decide for each draft individually whether they are against or for it, and if they agree to several drafts, choose which one they prefer. A law is passed if it receives more yes-votes than no-votes.
Constitutional Laws
Laws to amend the constitution must achieve a two-thirds majority in the state parliament and then be adopted in a referendum.
Notice and entry into force
The constitutional laws are forwarded to the Prime Minister, who signs them and has them published in the Bavarian Law and Ordinance Gazette within a week. Every law must specify the date on which it comes into force (Art. 76 BV).
See also
Web links
- Page of the Bavarian Parliament
- Bavarian State Center for Political Education: Political order in Bavaria
Individual evidence
- ↑ Rules of Procedure for the Bavarian State Parliament. Retrieved April 11, 2016 .