Laws are one of the ways the Riksdag and the Government run Sweden. Here is the journey a proposal makes, from the Government's first initiative to a finished law, ordinance and regulation.
The same basic shape every time: the Government takes the initiative, experts investigate, others have their say, the Riksdag decides and the agencies fill in the detail. The colour shows who holds each step.
A law starts because something needs to change. The Government drives it, shaped by events, public opinion, its own party and election promises. A member of the Riksdag can also raise the issue through a (private member's) motion.
Starts a public inquiry
The Government appoints a special investigator or a committee through terms of reference (kommittédirektiv). They gather facts, weigh the consequences and propose a solution.
Becomes a ministry memorandum (DS) or a committee report (SOU)
The proposal is sent out for formal referral (remiss). The referral bodies, meaning public agencies, municipalities, regions and organisations, get to say what they think.
Submit a referral response
The Government works through the referral responses and adjusts the proposal based on what has come in.
When needed, the proposal is sent to the Council on Legislation (Lagrådet) for review. The Council checks that it is compatible with Sweden's four fundamental laws and with other laws.
Gives an opinion from the Council on Legislation
The Government works through the proposal one last time and submits a government bill (proposition) to the Riksdag.
Sent to the Riksdag
The Riksdag refers the proposal to a committee, a working group organised by subject. Members of the Riksdag can respond with motions and follow-up motions.
Becomes a committee report (utskottsbetänkande)
The Riksdag debates and votes. Either yes and approval, or no and rejection.
Becomes a decision by the Riksdag
If approved, the proposal becomes law. Laws are rules that everyone in a country has to follow.
The law takes effect
The Government puts the law into effect and can decide on supplementary rules in an ordinance (förordning), rules that also apply to everyone.
Ordinance (förordning)
Public agencies fill in with agency regulations (föreskrifter) and general guidelines, often more detailed, and start measures, investigations or new operations.
Regulations (föreskrifter), general guidelines, new operations
How a law is made connects with the other maps of power in Sweden.
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