The difference between a bill and a law lies primarily in their status within the legislative process and their legal effect:
- A bill is a proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law. It is introduced in a legislative body (such as a parliament or congress) and undergoes debate, amendment, and voting. A bill is not legally binding and does not have the force of law until it completes the legislative process and is formally enacted
- A law (also called an act or statute once enacted) is a bill that has been passed by the legislature and, in most cases, approved by the executive (such as a president or governor). Once enacted, a law is legally binding and enforceable by the judiciary. It applies to all citizens and entities within the jurisdiction and carries legal penalties for violations
Summary of Key Differences
Aspect| Bill| Law (Act/Statute)
---|---|---
Definition| Proposed legislation, draft for a new or amended law| Enacted
legislation, legally binding rule
Legal Status| Not legally binding| Legally binding and enforceable
Legislative Stage| Initial or intermediate stage in lawmaking| Final stage
after passage and assent
Enactment| Requires approval by legislature and executive| Passed by
legislature and signed by executive
Enforcement| No enforcement or penalties| Enforced by courts and authorities
Effect on Public| Proposal only, no direct effect| Applies to all within
jurisdiction
Bills become laws only after successfully passing through the legislative process, including readings, committee reviews, votes in both houses (if bicameral), and executive assent
. Laws are the final product of this process and form the basis of the legal system governing society
. In short, a bill is a proposed law under consideration, while a law is a bill that has been enacted and is enforceable by the government
