second reading
Noun 1. A stage in the legislative process: The "second reading" is a specific parliamentary or legislative procedure. It refers to the second time a proposed law (a bill) is formally presented and debated in a legislative chamber (like a parliament or congress). The purpose and outcome of this stage differ between systems, most notably between British and American practices.
The term is used almost exclusively in formal political and governmental contexts to describe a step in how a bill becomes law. - The bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons with a majority of 50 votes. - Debate during the second reading focuses on the broad principles of the legislation, not the fine details.
- "To give a bill a second reading": This phrase means to hold the debate and vote for this specific stage.
- The government hopes to give the Education Bill its second reading next week.
- The second reading is typically preceded by the (a formal introduction with no debate) and followed by the (detailed examination) and (final approval debate).
- First Reading (n): The formal introduction of a bill to the legislature, usually without debate.
- Third Reading (n): The final stage of debate on a bill's overall content before a vote on its passage.
- Committee Stage (n): The detailed, clause-by-clause examination of a bill that usually occurs after the second reading.
The meaning of "second reading" is highly specific to legislative procedure. Its function has two primary interpretations based on the political system: 1. In the UK/Commonwealth System: The stage where the general principles and main purpose of the bill are debated. A vote is held to approve the bill "in principle." If it passes, it proceeds to the committee stage for detailed scrutiny. 2. In the US System: The stage where a bill reported by a committee is presented to the full chamber. The committee's report is discussed, and a vote is taken. This is often a key vote on the bill's details as shaped by the committee.
- Legislative debate stage
- Principle approval stage (UK context)
- "To fall at the second reading": An idiom meaning a bill was defeated (voted down) during this stage and will progress no further.
- The controversial bill fell at the second reading, ending its journey into law.
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the second presentation of a bill in a legislature; to approve its general principles (Britain) or to discuss a committee's report and take a vote (US)
