Define: Second Reading

In legislative proceedings, the second reading refers to the stage in which a proposed bill or legislation is debated and considered by the legislative body as a whole. During the second reading, members of the legislative body have the opportunity to discuss the merits, purpose, and potential effects of the proposed legislation. It allows for a thorough examination of the bill’s provisions and provides an opportunity for members to express their views, raise concerns, propose amendments, and offer suggestions for improvement. Following the second reading, the bill may proceed to further stages of consideration, such as committee review or a third reading, before a final vote is taken on its passage into law.

After a bill has been introduced to Parliament in its (purely formal) first reading, it receives a second reading, which usually takes the form of a debate. If the bill is controversial there may be a division. If the vote goes against the proposers then the Bill is defeated. With Government Bills this is unusual. If the vote is for the bill, it goes on to the committee stage.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.