Can a member of the public introduce a bill?
Someone who is not an MSP can introduce a private bill, but the purpose of such a bill is limited. The purpose of a private bill is to obtain for the individual or corporation proposing it specific powers that go beyond or conflict with the general law. A member of the public cannot introduce a bill to change the general law that applies across Scotland, for example, concerning health, education or housing. For members of the public who wish to see changes to the general law, there are several ways to make their concerns known. These include: • contacting their MSPs (for example, an MSP could introduce a members bill or take the proposal to a committee which might bring forward a committee bill) • submitting a petition asking the Parliament to amend an existing law or introduce a new law. More information on petitioning the Parliament is available in the document How to submit a public petition.
