- Ballot winner: Mark Isherwood MS, Proposal 033, British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill
From time to time, the Presiding Officer must hold a ballot to determine the name of a Member, other than a member of the government, who may seek the Senedd’s agreement to introduce a Bill.
A Member must provide "pre-ballot information" to set out the intended purpose of their proposed Bill.
If the Senedd agrees to the introduction of such a Bill, the Ballot winner may consult on their proposals before formally introducing their Bill.
| Key Milestones | Details |
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Ballot date |
24 April 2024 |
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Debate at which the Senedd will consider the introduction of a Bill to give effect to the information included in the Explanatory Memorandum |
Explanatory Memorandum to the proposal tabled on 31 May 2024 |
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Leave to proceed secured |
Plenary, 19 June 2024 |
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Consultation |
On 8 November 2024, Mark Isherwood MS launched a consultation on his proposal for a British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill, inviting people to give their views on the policy objectives of the proposed law. The consultation closed on 31 January 2025. |
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Draft British Sign Language (Wales) Bill |
Building on the policy objectives and earlier consultation, Mark Isherwood MS has developed a draft British Sign Language (Wales) Bill and accompanying Explanatory Notes. |
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The draft Bill and accompanying Explanatory Notes have been published for information only at this stage while the development of the Bill and required Senedd procedures are finalised. The Bill is scheduled to be formally introduced to the Senedd on 14 July 2025. At that time, the Bill will be accompanied by a detailed Explanatory Memorandum. A BSL version of the Bill will also be available at that time. Following its introduction, the Bill will go through detailed scrutiny by the Senedd, and stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit their views to the relevant Senedd committee. Further details on how to contribute will be published by the relevant Senedd committee in due course. |
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