frumvarpið

Frumvarpið is the Icelandic term for a proposed law that is introduced to Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament. A frumvarp may be presented by the government or by a member of parliament, and it is typically titled Frumvarp til laga. If enacted, it becomes law (lög) and is published in the official legislation gazette, Stjórnartíðindi.

The legislative process usually begins with the submission of the draft to Alþingi, where it is assigned to the relevant committee for detailed examination. In committee, the bill can be amended, and experts and stakeholders may be heard. After committee work, the bill proceeds to the plenary for one or more readings. In the final reading, members vote on the bill; a majority is required for approval. If approved, the bill is sent to the President of Iceland for signing, after which it becomes law on a specified date or upon publication.

A frumvarp is typically accompanied by an explanatory memorandum (greinargerð) that outlines its purposes, background, and anticipated effects. In Iceland, the public can track bills on Alþingi’s website, reflecting a commitment to transparency. There are different origins for frumvarp, including government bills (frumvarp ríkisstjórnar) and member’s bills (frumvarp Alþingis), which share the same legislative path but originate from different actors.

Frumvarpið thus serves as the principal instrument for proposing changes to Icelandic law, enabling formal discussion, amendment, and democratic decision-making within the parliamentary system.