Members' Handbook

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS

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139. DRAFTING OF PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS 

Requests for assistance with drafting a Private Member’s Public Bill (PMPB) must be submitted in writing to the Clerk or Law Clerk. All requests will be kept confidential.

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The Clerk or Law Clerk and the Member requesting drafting assistance will consider the time and costs involved. The Law Clerk will provide the Member with advice as to process, cost implications and personnel to be involved to accomplish the Member’s request, and assign themselves or a Deputy Law Clerk to provide support. Once a specific Law Clerk is assigned, they are the only one who will work on the PMPB with the Member to avoid conflict with the responsibilities of the other Law Clerks to the Legislative Assembly. The assigned Law Clerk will request the assistance of the Director, Legislation Division in the Department of Justice to assist with the drafting of PMPB and private member amendments to bills. Such assistance will be provided to the Law Clerk on a confidential basis.

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139.1 BOARD APPROVAL

The approval of the Board of Management is required if the drafting of the PMPB requires the engagement of outside legal counsel and if the Legislative Assembly is requested to pay the cost. The Clerk will prepare a proposal for the Board of Management detailing the time and cost implications. Details of the purpose of the PMPB will not be disclosed to the Board of Management.

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The Board of Management may refuse any request if the cost is not within the appropriation of the Legislative Assembly or if, in the opinion of the Board, the cost of the project is otherwise too significant.

A Member may access their Constituency Work Expense Allowance to engage outside legal counsel to draft a PMPB.

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139.2 ALTERNATIVE DRAFTING SERVICES

A Member may also purchase services from outside legal counsel for the drafting of a PMPB from their Constituency Work Expense Allowance.