Stage 2 is the first opportunity for MSPs to make changes to the text of a bill (known as amendments).
Who can propose amendments?
Only MSPs can lodge amendments, but it does not have to be an MSP who is a member of the committee considering the bill.
.JPG)
What restrictions are there?
Amendments must be relevant to the general principles of the bill, and must not change or remove a provision in a way that would fundamentally undermine the bill’s general principles, which have already been agreed by the Parliament at stage 1.
There is no limit to the number of amendments an MSP can lodge.
Why do MSPs lodge amendments?
At stage 2, if an MSP wants an issue to be raised and debated, the MSP must lodge an amendment. While MSPs sometimes use amendments as a way of getting more information on a bill, the main purpose of them is to improve the bill. The idea for an amendment may come from:
- evidence heard by a committee at stage 1
- an MSP’s own interest in the issue, or
- outside interest groups or groups representing people likely to be particularly affected by the bill.
How can I get involved in the process?
If you want to propose amendments to MSPs, you should get in touch with them as early as possible following the end of stage 1, because MSPs may need time to consider options and the deadlines for lodging amendments are strict.
Video link
You can view the amendments video on YouTube.
Where to look
- Details of the timetable for stage 2, including deadlines for lodging amendments and any targets if stage 2 will take more than one meeting, are announced in the Parliament’s Business Bulletin.
- Amendments are first published in the Legislation section of the Business Bulletin in a ‘Daily List’, normally the day after they were lodged.
Legislation Team
For more information on law-making procedure in the Parliament you can contact the Legislation Team.
[email protected]
0131 348 5277