verzamelwet

Verzamelwet is a Dutch legislative instrument used to bundle multiple proposed amendments to existing laws into a single act. The primary aim is to implement a number of small or technical changes in one procedural package, rather than through separate bills. Verzamelwetten are commonly employed to tidy up the statutory code, adjust administrative processes, or implement policy measures that span different areas of law, such as taxation, social security, or product regulation.

In practice, a Verzamelwet is drafted by the government and introduced in the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer). It is debated and voted on as a whole, and, if approved, moves to the Senate (Eerste Kamer) for a final decision. Because it aggregates changes across several laws, the procedure can attract heightened scrutiny and may become a focal point for negotiations. Critics argue that bundling reduces transparency and makes it harder for lawmakers and the public to assess the impact of individual provisions. Proponents contend that it enhances legislative efficiency and helps align diverse rules in response to broader policy needs.

Verzamelwetten are a recurring feature of Dutch parliamentary practice and are used to address multiple, often technical, amendments within a single legislative vehicle. They are distinct from single-topic bills and reflect a balance between expediency and deliberation, governed by constitutional and procedural rules, including provisions for amendments and transparency during the passage through parliament. See also: omnibus bill in comparative constitutional law.