(Title Image: Wisegeek)

Yesterday, the Senedd undertook Stage 3 scrutiny of the Legislation Bill.

At a Glance Guide

Stage 1 report (summary)

The Bill places a duty on the Welsh Government to make Welsh law more accessible, which will be done in part through a series of consolidation Bills which will include all legislation passed to date in any given devolved policy area in one place (i.e a consolidation Bill for the environment, a Bill for agriculture, a Bill for health).

It will be a bilingual interpretation Act, ensuring that the language and definitions in Welsh law are consistent in both English and Welsh.

Major Changes at Stage 2

Stage 2 proceedings were undertaken by the Constitutional Affairs Committee, while the Member in Charge of the Bill is the Counsel General, Jeremy Miles (Lab, Neath).

The duty to make Welsh law more accessible has been expanded to include the promotion and awareness of Welsh law.

The Welsh Government will have to report annually on progress made under accessibility.

Makes it clear that Welsh language and English language versions of Bills have equal status.

The Key Amendments at Stage 3

Amendment 1 – Suzy Davies AM (Con, South Wales West)

Places a duty on the Welsh Government to fully review and report on the effectiveness of their “accessibility” programme by the end of 2023.

Vote: Rejected – 24 for, 27 against

Reason for Rejection: There’s already a clear commitment to review the effectiveness of the Bill before the mid-point of the Sixth Assembly.

Amendment 5 – Counsel General, Jeremy Miles

Includes any EU laws and regulations retained in UK and Welsh law after Brexit so they can be referenced in relation to future legislation.

Vote: Agreed unanimously.

Amendment 13 – Dr Dai Lloyd AM (Plaid, South Wales West)

Inserts an expanded definition of “accessibility” which includes a responsibility towards bilingual publication and to ensure legislation is “easy to understand and certain in its effect”.

Vote: Agreed unanimously.