Russia's Lawmaking Process: From Bill To Law

how a bill becomes a law in russia

The legislative process in the Russian Federation is complex and involves multiple steps and stakeholders. The Federal Assembly, consisting of the State Duma and the Federation Council, holds legislative powers as outlined in Article 94 of the Constitution. The process of preparing a bill includes cumulative analysis, decision-making, text development, discussion, and coordination with relevant bodies. The bill is then submitted for consideration by the supreme legislative body or a referendum. The State Duma is generally more powerful and has the first consideration of all bills, even those proposed by the Federation Council. The process involves multiple readings, discussions, and votes, with the potential for conciliation commissions to be formed to work out compromises. The legislative process in Russia is shaped by the interaction between these chambers and other entities, such as the president and various courts.

Characteristics Values
Legislative powers Granted to the bicameral Federal Assembly: the State Duma and the Federation Council
Legislative initiative The right of a legislative initiative belongs to the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, members of the council of Federation, deputies of the State Duma, the Government, legislative bodies of subjects of the Russian Federation, the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Supreme Arbitration Court of the Russian Federation
Legislative process Draft laws are first considered in the State Duma. Upon adoption by a majority of the full State Duma membership, a draft law is considered by the Federation Council, which has 14 days to place the bill on its calendar
Law techniques Preparation of the bill includes cumulative analysis of requirements for settlement of a certain sphere of public relations (or change of such regulation) and the corresponding gaps in the current legislation and practice of its application; making decisions on project preparation; development of its text; discussion and completion of an original project; coordination with all interested bodies and organizations

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A bill must pass three readings in the State Duma

The Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation is bicameral, consisting of the State Duma and the Federation Council. The State Duma is the more powerful of the two chambers. All bills, even those proposed by the Federation Council, must first be considered by the State Duma.

In the second reading, a report is made by the representative of the responsible committee. The speaker reports the results of the consideration of the bill in the responsible committee, including any amendments and the results of their consideration.

The third reading is appointed for a vote on the bill, with a view to its acceptance as law. If changes are made to the bill during the second reading, the text of the bill and the conclusion of the Legal Department of the State Duma administration are sent to the President, the Federation Council, and the Government of the Russian Federation. During the third reading, the introduction of amendments is not allowed, and the bill is discussed as a whole. Federal laws are accepted by a majority vote of the total number of deputies of the State Duma.

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The bill is then sent to a committee for preparation

Once a bill has been introduced, it is sent to a committee for preparation. This committee will conduct a cumulative analysis of the requirements for settlement or change in a certain sphere of public relations, as well as identify any gaps in current legislation and its application. The committee will also make decisions on project preparation, develop the text of the bill, and discuss and complete the original project. During this stage, the committee will also coordinate with all interested bodies and organisations. The text is then offered for adoption and submitted for consideration to the supreme legislative body or put to a referendum.

According to the 1993 Constitution, the right of legislative initiative belongs to the President of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council, members of the council of the Federation, deputies of the State Duma, the Government, legislative bodies of the Russian Federation subjects, and the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Superior Court of Arbitration. The government of the Russian Federation has the right to bring amendments to bills that are under consideration by the State Duma.

The State Duma is the more powerful of the two chambers of the Federal Assembly, and all bills must first be considered by this chamber. If the bill is rejected by the Federation Council, the two chambers may form a conciliation commission to work out a compromise version. The State Duma will then vote on this compromise bill. If the State Duma does not agree with the proposals of the upper chamber, it may vote by a two-thirds majority to send its version to the President for signature.

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The reworked draft is presented for a second reading

Once the reworked draft has been presented for a second reading, the process of turning a bill into law in Russia continues. At this stage, the bill has already been through its first reading, during which its concept was discussed and its compliance with the Constitution of the Russian Federation, its urgency, and practical importance were assessed.

During the second reading, a report is presented by the representative of the responsible committee. This report includes the results of the committee's consideration of the bill, any amendments that have been proposed, and the outcomes of those proposals. This is a crucial stage, as it allows for further refinement and improvement of the bill before it moves closer to becoming law.

The responsible committee plays a vital role in this process, carefully examining the bill and ensuring that it aligns with the country's legal framework and addresses the relevant issues effectively. Any amendments proposed during this stage are carefully considered, and their potential impact is assessed. This back-and-forth process is essential to ensure that the final version of the bill is well-crafted and fit for purpose.

After the second reading, the bill moves towards its third and final reading. At this stage, no further amendments are allowed, and the focus shifts to voting on the bill as a whole or on its separate sections. This reading culminates in the bill being accepted as law by a majority vote of the total number of deputies in the State Duma.

If the bill passes this vote, it is then sent to the upper chamber, the Federation Council, for their review. The Federation Council has fourteen days to place the bill on its calendar and consider it. If the Federation Council rejects the bill, a conciliation commission may be formed to work out a compromise version that can be voted on again.

The Complex Journey of a Bill to Law

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The third reading consists of a vote on the bill in its entirety

The legislative process in Russia is a complex and multi-step procedure, involving various entities and stakeholders. After a bill has been drafted and submitted, it undergoes three readings in the State Duma, the lower chamber of the Federal Assembly. The third reading is the final stage of this process, where a vote is held on the bill in its entirety. This vote is a critical juncture, determining whether the bill proceeds further or faces rejection.

During the third reading, the State Duma members cast their votes, indicating their decision on the bill. The bill must achieve a majority vote from the total number of deputies in the State Duma to be passed. If it fails to secure this majority, the bill is rejected and does not advance any further in the legislative process. This voting process is a decisive moment, reflecting the will of the State Duma and shaping the potential future of the proposed legislation.

If the bill successfully garners the required majority vote, it proceeds to the next stage of the legislative journey. The bill is then passed on to the Federation Council, the upper chamber of the Federal Assembly, for further consideration and review. The Federation Council has fourteen days to include the bill on its calendar and initiate its examination. This chamber primarily deals with issues pertaining to subnational jurisdictions and acts as a reviewing body for bills passed by the State Duma.

While the Federation Council has less direct power than the State Duma, it still plays a crucial role in the legislative process. If the Federation Council rejects a bill passed by the State Duma, a conciliation commission may be formed, comprising members from both chambers. This commission works to create a compromise version of the legislation, aiming to address the concerns of the Federation Council while preserving the essence of the bill.

In conclusion, the third reading, consisting of a vote on the bill in its entirety, is a pivotal step in the Russian legislative process. It empowers the State Duma to decide the fate of a proposed bill, either advancing it to the Federation Council or halting its progress altogether. This voting mechanism underscores the importance of consensus-building and the collaborative nature of law-making in Russia.

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The bill is transferred to the Federation Council for examination and approval

The Federation Council is the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, with the State Duma being the lower house. It was established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation in 1993. The Council is composed of two representatives from each of Russia's 89 federal subjects, for a total of 178 senators.

Once a bill passes the State Duma, it is transferred to the Federation Council for examination and approval. The Council has several committees that consider legislation and policy on a range of issues, including foreign affairs, federal affairs, defence and security, financial markets, and youth and sports. These committees play a key role in examining and approving bills transferred from the State Duma.

The Council holds sessions in Moscow for most of the year, and these sessions are open to the public. However, the location can change if the Council decides to do so, and closed sessions can also be convened. The Council decides independently on matters within its purview, as per the Constitution of the Russian Federation, federal constitutional laws, and federal laws.

The Council's role in the legislative process is crucial, as it represents the interests of the regions at the federal level and reflects the federative nature of the Russian state. The Council has special powers, including approving changes to the borders of federal subjects, approving the introduction of martial law or a state of emergency, deciding on the use of the Armed Forces outside Russia, declaring presidential elections, and impeachment of the president.

The Council's approval of a bill is an important step in the legislative process, and its cooperation with the State Duma is essential for the successful passage of draft laws.

Frequently asked questions

The legislative body in Russia is the bicameral Federal Assembly, which consists of the State Duma and the Federation Council.

The State Duma is the more powerful of the two chambers and deals with most legislative matters. All bills, even those proposed by the Federation Council, must first be considered by the State Duma.

The Federation Council primarily deals with issues related to subnational jurisdictions, such as adjustments to internal borders and decrees of the president regarding martial law or states of emergency. It also has a role in confirming and removing the procurator general and confirming justices of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court, and the Superior Court of Arbitration.

The process of preparing a bill includes cumulative analysis of requirements, decision-making, development of text, discussion, and coordination with relevant bodies. The bill is then submitted for consideration by the supreme legislative body or a referendum. If adopted by a majority in the State Duma, the bill is then considered by the Federation Council, which has 14 days to place it on its calendar.

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