Sovereignty
Legislative Process

Below is the proposed Legislative Process within the Sovereignty Model, as set out for the UK context 

First Reading:

The Representative Minister (RM) responsible for the legislation publishes it for public and parliamentary awareness. This step introduces the bill to the legislative process.

Legislation Clears Special Adjudicator:

The Special Adjudicator reviews whether the legislation falls within the RM's jurisdiction or if it needs to be co-sponsored with other RMs. This step ensures the bill aligns with the appropriate legislative authority.

Second Reading: LR and RM Scrutiny:

Parliament debate: the legislation is debated in the House of Commons, amongst RMs and LRs.   

Sub-Committees: Legislation is referred to specialised sub-committees composed of LRs, which would conduct detailed reviews, hold hearings, and engage with experts or local stakeholders.

Individual LR and RM Contributions: Each LR and RM has the right to contribute individual amendments or comments, which must be considered and incorporated by the sub-committee. The sub-committee then compiles a report or set of amendments representing local and departmental perspectives.

Third Reading and RM/LR Vote:

The legislation is updated by the sponsoring RM(s) reflecting the amendments and comments provided by the Sub-Committee. The updated legislation then moves to its first vote. 

Voting Weights: 

• The sponsoring RM's vote counts for 40% (to reflect a stronger RM influence in this phase).

• Other RMs collectively have a 20% vote weight.

• LRs have a combined 40% voting power in this stage to balance the influence and incorporate local scrutiny.

This vote determines whether the legislation, potentially with amendments from LRs, moves forward.

House of Lords Scrutiny:

Although the Sovereignty model fundamentally changes the UK's legislative structure, retaining the House of Lords for additional scrutiny could still be beneficial. The Lords would review the bill for legal and ethical considerations, proposing further amendments if necessary. 

House of Commons Vote and Direct Vote:

The legislation is updated by the sponsoring RM(s) reflecting the amendments by the House of Lords. 

Parliament Debate: the legislation is debated in Parliament's House of Commons, amongst RMs and LRs within a week of the final vote. 

Concurrent Voting: The House of Commons votes on the legislation on the same day as the Direct Vote, which can occur once every three months. 

Voting Weights Adjusted:

• RM's vote now counts for 30% 

• Other RMs collectively at 20%

• LRs at 25% 

• Direct Vote (public) at 25%

This step ensures both parliamentary and public approval, embodying the principles of the Sovereignty model.

Royal Assent:

If the legislation passes the parliamentary and direct vote, it advances to receive Royal Assent, the formal approval by the Monarch.