Wetvoorstellen

Wetvoorstellen are legislative proposals in the Netherlands. They represent the formal process by which new laws or amendments to existing laws are introduced into the Dutch Parliament. A wetvoorstel can originate from the government, specifically a minister or state secretary, or from a member of the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) or the Senate (Eerste Kamer).

When a wetvoorstel is introduced by the government, it is first developed within a ministry, often involving consultation with relevant stakeholders. It is then submitted to the Council of State (Raad van State) for advice before being presented to the King and subsequently to Parliament. If initiated by a member of Parliament, it must first be approved by the House of Representatives before it can be formally submitted.

Once a wetvoorstel is submitted to the House of Representatives, it undergoes a thorough review process. This typically involves an initial debate on the general principles, followed by a detailed examination in a parliamentary committee. During the committee stage, members can propose amendments to the text. Subsequently, the proposal returns to the full House for a debate on the amended text and a final vote.

If a wetvoorstel is adopted by the House of Representatives, it is then sent to the Senate. The Senate reviews the proposal and can either accept it as is or reject it. The Senate does not have the power to amend a wetvoorstel; it can only approve or reject it. If the Senate approves the proposal, it becomes an official law after promulgation and publication in the official legal gazette.