Legislature is the legislative arm of the state in a province. The word comes from a Latin word "legis" meaning law, because the first and most important job of the Legislature is to make laws. Once these laws are made, they become the laws of the land.
Where it all begins ...
The law-making process begins when a Member of the Executive Council (who is in charge of a government department) decides that a new draft law (called a "bill") is necessary.
The MEC submits the proposed Bill to the Executive Council. If they agrees to the Bill, the MEC formally introduces it to the Legislature. It is then referred to a Portfolio Committee for consideration. For example, if the Bill concerns health matters, it will go to the health Committee.
A Portfolio Committee consists of members of all the political parties in the Legislature. The Committee meets to study and discuss the Bill in detail. It can make changes to the Bill if the majority of the committee agrees.
Meetings of the Portfolio Committees are open to the public and press. If there is a lot of public interest in the Bill, the Portfolio Committee will hold public hearings or ask the public to make submissions. Even if the Portfolio Committee does not do this, you have a right to write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee or any of its members about the Bill.
After the Portfolio Committee has finished its work, the Bill goes to the Legislature to be debated by all political parties.
All members then vote on the Bill and, if it is passed, it is sent to the Premier for signing.
When a Bill becomes a Law ...
A Bill becomes a law when it is signed by the Premier and promulgated (declared official) in the Government Gazette. It is now called an Act of the Free State Provincial Legislature.
It is given a date and number. For example, the Free State School Education Act is Act 02 of 2000. This means it was the 2nd Act to be passed by the Legislature in 2000.
Private Members' Bills and Committee Bills
Almost all Bills are introduced into the Legislature by an MEC. However, individual members or Committees may also introduce Bills in the Legislature.
If an individual member wants to introduce a Bill, the proposal is considered by a special committee which must agree before such a Bill is introduced in the Legislature.
Legislature and You ...
The Constitution says there must be public access to and involvement in the Legislature. This means you have the right to attend meetings of Legislature committees and all sittings of the Legislature.
When the Legislature passes a law, it has a duty to take into account what members of the public feel. You have a right to contact any, any Member in the Provincial Legislature or any Committee if you wish to inform them of your views.