Ustawa

Ustawa, in Polish law, refers to a statute or act adopted by the legislative branch of the Republic of Poland. It is the primary form of nationwide normative act, binding across the country. Ustawy are created by the Sejm with possible involvement of the Senate and must be compatible with the Constitution.

The legislative process typically starts with an initiative, followed by committee work and readings in the Sejm. If approved, the bill may be amended by the Senate; after final approval, it is sent to the President for signature. The President may sign the act into law or veto it. If vetoed, the Sejm can pursue an override under constitutional rules, after which the act may still become law.

Promulgation and publication are essential steps. After signature, the act is promulgated in Dziennik Ustaw Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej, the official journal of laws, and becomes binding. The date of entry into force is usually the publication date or a later date specified in the text.

Types and scope of laws may vary. Ordinary acts (ustawy zwykłe) regulate a broad range of matters, including civil and criminal law, public administration, and social policy. Budget laws (ustawy budżetowe) cover public finances, while ratification laws (ustawy ratyfikacyjne) authorize international agreements. Ustawy exist alongside other legal instruments, such as rozporządzenia (regulations) issued by the executive, which must be grounded in statutory authorization and are subordinate to the statutes.

The Constitution is the supreme law; all ustawę must conform to it. When constitutional disputes arise, they may be resolved by the Constitutional Tribunal.