How a bill becomes law

New laws are sometimes needed to ensure that society and the economy keep running smoothly. It is one of the major duties of the House of Representatives to make new laws, in cooperation with the Government.

Most bills (a proposal for a new law) are introduced in Parliament by the Government. The House of Representatives can adopt, reject or amend a bill. An MP can also take the initiative to put forward a proposal for a new law, a so-called initiative bill. Not until after the Senate has also adopted the proposal does a bill become law.

European directives
The European Union makes rules, too. These are laid down in so-called directives. After all, it is important for the cooperation between the countries of Europe that some issues are dealt with in the same way everywhere. This is why the Dutch Government will incorporate European directives in Dutch legislation. The Government and the House of Representatives can exercise little influence on the content of laws of this kind, because all EU member states are held to comply with the European directives.