Plain meaning
A proposed law introduced in Parliament or a legislature.
Also called
private member's bill
government bill
Senate bill
House bill
Key points
- A bill is not law when first introduced.
- Federal bills usually pass through readings, committee review, votes, and royal assent before becoming law.
- Budget implementation bills often contain many tax and fiscal measures.
- A bill's status matters because proposed rules may change before final enactment.
Why it comes up
Many tax-impact stories begin as bills; readers need to know whether a proposal is introduced, passed, or already law.