wijzigingenregeling

The term wijzingsregeling refers to a formal procedure within the Dutch legal system that allows specific provisions of existing legislation to be modified or updated without requiring a complete legislative overhaul. This mechanism is employed when small, technical changes are needed—such as correcting typographical errors, adapting to new administrative contexts, or aligning a law with contemporary practice—while preserving the core intent of the statute.

The basis for a wijzingsregeling is found in the Dutch Constitution and various statutory provisions, notably the Articles of the Dutch Civil Code and the procedure for statutes enacted by decree (soort verordening). To initiate a wijzingsregeling, a proposal is typically submitted by a member of parliament, the Dutch Government, or an interest group with statutory authority. The proposal undergoes scrutiny by relevant committees, which evaluate whether the change is substantive, whether it affects rights and obligations meaningfully, and whether the amendment conforms to the principle of legality. Once approved, the amendment is published in the Staatsblad, the official gazette, and becomes binding from the date of publication.

Wijzingsregelingen play an important role in ensuring that Dutch law remains responsive and functional. By enabling targeted adjustments, they reduce the need for comprehensive legislative sessions, lower administrative costs, and increase the perceived stability of the legal framework. However, because the process is less rigorous than full legislative reform, oversight committees and judicial review act as safeguards against overreach or unintended consequences.