How is a Law passed in Germany? – Example: Environmental Protection

A legislative process begins with a so-called law initiative. In Germany, the Bundestag (at least 5% of members or a parliamentary group), the Bundesrat or the Federal Government can propose a law.
Let’s say the government plans a Law to Promote Renewable Energy to strengthen environmental protection. At this stage, the government gathers facts, drafts a bill, and often sends it out for a hearing with associations and experts (called the draft stage).
The goal: A comprehensive and viable legislation.
How does a law come about?
⚙ gesetzesinitiative

The finished draft bill is introduced in the Bundestag and presented in a public sitting. Usually, there is no detailed debate but a direct decision about which committees the bill will be referred to for further discussion.
For the environmental protection law, the Committee for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety would be particularly responsible. Here, central questions are collected for later, intensive discussions.
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In the committee, the details are discussed and the law is thoroughly examined. Hearings are held with experts, interest groups, and representatives of affected groups – for instance, with environmental organizations, energy companies and consumer groups, regarding the renewable energy law.
Amendments can be submitted and voted on. The goal is to achieve a balanced and practical regulation. Afterwards, the committee gives a recommendation on how the Bundestag should vote.
⚙ ausschussphase

Second Reading: The modified bill is discussed in the Plenum of the Bundestag. There are speeches, amendments, and voting on individual proposals.
Third Reading: If substantial changes are made at the last moment, the third reading takes place immediately afterwards. The final vote: The Bundestag votes on the entire law.
Reading Content
1st Reading Introduction & Referral to Committee
2nd Reading Debate & Amendments
3rd Reading Final Vote
⚙ debatte

Reading	Content
1st Reading	Introduction & Referral to Committee
2nd Reading	Debate & Amendments
3rd Reading	Final Vote

After the law is passed in the Bundestag, it goes to the Bundesrat, which represents the federal states.
The Bundesrat checks whether the interests of the states and the constitution have been respected.
For laws affecting the states, the Bundesrat has a right of approval (approval laws). For others, it can only raise objections (objection laws).
In the case of the environmental protection law: If the Bundesrat has concerns, it can call for a mediation committee. After agreement, the law can be finally passed.
⚙ bundesrat

The law adopted by the Bundestag and Bundesrat is submitted to the Federal President for signature.
The Federal President checks if the law is constitutional. If there are serious doubts about legality, he can refuse to sign – but this is rare.
If everything is in order, the President signs the law. After signing, it is published in the Federal Law Gazette and then takes effect, either at a set date or immediately.
With this, the legislative process is completed – the new environmental protection law is now binding for all citizens in Germany.
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- The Federal Government often introduces the initial drafts, but all three bodies – Bundestag, Bundesrat, government – can take the initiative.
- The Bundestag debates, checks, amends and decides on the law.
- The Bundesrat represents state interests and can delay or demand changes to laws.
- The Federal President has a supervisory role before the law becomes valid.
This cooperation ensures democratic control, balance, and consideration of various interests – as shown with the example environmental law, many hurdles must be overcome before a law comes into force.
⚙ fazit