What Happens Next?
77. After introduction into the Scottish Parliament, the Bill passes through three Parliamentary Stages. The Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee will scrutinise the proposals in the Bill and may invite individuals and organisations wishing to submit their views to give evidence. Other Committees in Parliament can also comment on the Bill to the lead Committee. The Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee will then report to the full Parliament on the general principals of the Bill and the adequacy of the consultation process. A debate will also take place in the Parliament. This is known as Stage 1 of the Bill. If the Parliament agrees to the principals of the legislation, Stage 2 proceeds with the lead Committee considering separately each and every section and schedule of the Bill. Amendments to any part of the Bill can be put forward by members of the Scottish Parliament ( MSPs) and the Committee votes on whether to accept these or not. There is then another debate in the Scottish Parliament, known as Stage 3 of the Bill, when amendments can also be made, and the Parliament then votes whether to pass the Bill. If passed, the Bill will be incorporated into the 2004 Act once it receives Royal Assent. The supporting children's learning code of practice will also be amended to reflect the legislative developments as well as reflecting growing good practice and understanding of the 2004 Act.
78. However, that is not the end of the matter. The legislation has to be put into practice. It must be commenced (and different parts can be commenced at different times) and other secondary legislation must be considered by Parliament. The secondary legislation is the various regulations, orders and rules that the Bill provides for Scottish Ministers to make. These will set out in more detail the circumstances under which an ASNTS may review its decisions and the timescales within which authorities must carry out certain procedures relating to CSPs.