In the Westminster system, developed in the United Kingdom, there are generally three readings of a bill as it passes through the stages of becoming, or failing to become, legislation.
In the United States Senate and most British-influenced legislatures, the committee consideration occurs between second and third readings.
[2] However, in the Australian Senate, the question on the first reading is always moved immediately after introduction (which is a separate motion altogether) or receipt from the House of Representatives and may be voted on.
[4] In extremely rare circumstances however, the Senate may vote against the first reading, which prevents the bill from proceeding further.
This has happened as recently as June 2021, when the Ministerial Suitability Commission of Inquiry Bill 2021 (Cth), introduced by Greens Senator Larissa Waters in relation to the 1988 rape allegation against the Attorney-General Christian Porter, was narrowly negatived in a division.
However, the government can have a bill skip the select committee stage by a simple majority vote in Parliament.
[9] However, the practice of requiring a seconder for a motion has since been removed,[10] and thus an introduced bill cannot be defeated until the end of its first reading.
In the Russian State Duma, the first reading includes a debate on the general outlines of the bill followed by a vote on whether or not to send it to committee.
Bills introduced under the Ten Minute Rule are subject to a debate lasting not more than ten minutes (equally divided between a supporter and an opponent), followed by a vote is held on the motion "That leave be granted to bring in" the bill; the latter receives a first reading only if the motion is carried.
If a majority of Parliament agree, the bill can be considered part-by-part, saving considerable time.
If amendments are introduced to a bill, it is returned for further committee consideration between second and third readings unless the Sejm decides otherwise.
In the United States Senate, a bill is either referred to committee or placed on the Calendar of Business after second reading.
Once that happens, it is sent on for promulgation, such as royal assent in the Westminster system or signing by the president or governor in the U.S. model.
In a unicameral legislature, after passing the third reading in the sole chamber, the bill goes on directly for promulgation.