The main difference is the author of the text: the Government introduces a government bill, while a parliamentarian introduces a private member’s bill.
A government bill originates from the Government. A private member’s bill originates from one or more deputies or senators. Both can become laws after being examined and passed by Parliament.
A government bill is prepared by the Government. Before it is introduced, it follows several stages specific to Government texts, including examination by the French Council of State (Conseil d’État) and then deliberation by the Council of Ministers.
It is then tabled in the National Assembly or the Senate. Some government bills, such as financial legislation, are subject to special rules on where they must first be introduced.
A private member’s bill is introduced by one or more parliamentarians: deputies or senators. It is a parliamentary initiative and may be examined if it is placed on the agenda.
Its introduction must comply with applicable rules, including those limiting proposals that would reduce certain public resources or increase certain public charges.
A government bill follows a regulated Government preparation process before it is introduced. A private member’s bill is prepared by parliamentarians and does not follow exactly the same prior formalities.
The chamber in which a text is first introduced and the organisation of the timetable may also depend on the type of text and on the applicable constitutional or parliamentary rules.
Once introduced, both types of text are generally referred to a committee, debated and amended. They are then examined in a public sitting and sent to the other chamber.
Government and private members’ bills can therefore both change substantially during the procedure. Their designation identifies their origin, not their importance or final outcome.
The official French title generally begins with “projet de loi” or “proposition de loi”. The file also identifies who introduced it: the Government, a deputy or a senator.
If the text comes from the Government, it is a government bill. If it comes from a parliamentarian, it is a private member’s bill. Government support for a private member’s bill does not turn it into a government bill.
The Government prepares a text on access to a public service and introduces it after deliberation by the Council of Ministers: it is a government bill.
A deputy separately introduces a text on the same subject: it is a private member’s bill. The subject may be similar, but the origin and some preparation stages differ.
In a CIVIX file, begin by reading the official title and the introduction information. The words “projet de loi” or “proposition de loi” often identify the nature of the text immediately.
Then look at the stages in the file and the related votes. A vote may concern an amendment or an article, not necessarily the whole government or private member’s bill.
Yes. A private member’s bill may be introduced by a deputy or by a senator.
Yes. If it is examined, finally passed and promulgated, it becomes law just like a text that originated from the Government.
No. It may be amended, rejected, withdrawn or fail to complete the procedure.