Assembly Bills

This means the National Assembly for Wales has the power to pass new laws known as Assembly Bills.  The 20 areas in which the National Assembly for Wales has competence are listed in Schedule 7 to the Government of Wales Act 2006.  

Consultation
The Welsh Government uses a number of different methods to consult with stakeholders and the public on its policies underpinning the legislative programme.  These methods of engagement take place prior to the formal introduction of a Bill into the National Assembly for Wales for scrutiny.  

Green Papers
Green Papers are used when the Welsh Government is considering introducing a new law.  It is a discussion document designed to stimulate debate and gather feedback from stakeholders and the public. 

White Papers
White Papers set out the detail of future policy on a particular subject.  They will often be the basis for a Bill to be put before the National Assembly for Wales.  White papers give stakeholders and the public further opportunity to feed back before the formal drafting into a Bill.

Draft Bills
Draft Bills are issued to stakeholders and the public before being formally introduced into the Assembly.  This allows changes to be made before the Bill's formal introduction.

National Assembly for Wales
Once a Bill is introduced into the Assembly it undergoes further scrutiny.  This is generally a four-stage process.  

• Stage 1 - consideration and agreement of the general principles of the Bill
• Stage 2 - detailed consideration of the Bill and any changes by a committee
• Stage 3 - detailed consideration of the Bill and any changes by the Assembly
• Report Stage – an optional stage to make changes (if required).
• Stage 4 – a vote by the Assembly to pass the final text of the Bill

Act of the Assembly
Once Royal Assent is given, the Bill becomes an Act of the Assembly.  The Act may include subordinate legislation (for example, regulations and orders) made by Welsh Ministers to give further details of how the law is to be applied.