Improvements needed in Holyrood bill processes, MSPs say
Holyrood's legislative process should be more open and easier to understand, according to a committee report published today.
In the first major review of the legislative process since the Parliament was established, the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee is calling for changes that include making the documents accompanying draft bills clearer, extending the timescales between some stages of the process, and ensuring that information issued is free from technical language.
Other recommendations in the report include providing better information about the timetables for bills,
increasing the minimum gap between stages 2 and 3 of the Holyrood process from 10 days to 14 to assist preparation particularly by the relevant committees, improving guidance on amendments to help people engage with the process at these stages, and extending the deadline for lodging amendments by an extra day. Amendments should be better presented to make them easier to follow.
The committee also believes that as a matter of good practice all Scottish Government bills should be published in draft.
Convener Stewart Stevenson MSP commented: “This inquiry was about making sure that what we do as a Parliament is open and accessible for those we represent. We heard that the legislative process can be difficult and confusing to follow. Our inquiry was about what more could be done so people from all walks of life could become engaged in shaping the laws of Scotland.
“Whilst we appreciate that the legislative process can be complex, this cannot be a barrier to the public becoming involved. The language used must be jargon free where possible and the process itself must be made clearer. Just as important is to ensure that the process is not rushed which is why we have suggested increasing the time between certain stages of the legislative process.”