Reading (legislature) - Third Reading

A third reading is the stage of a legislative process in which a bill is read with all amendments and given final approval by a legislative body. In legislatures whose procedures are based off those of the Westminster system, the third reading occurs after the bill has been amended by committee and considered for amendment at report stage.

In bicameral legislatures, if the bill passes the third reading, it is then sent to the other chamber of parliament to start the process again at first reading in that chamber. Once the bill has passed third reading in both chambers, it is sent on for promulgation, such as Royal Assent in the Westminster system or signing by the president or governor in the U.S. model. In a unicameral legislatures, after passing third reading in the sole chamber, the bill goes on directly for promulgation.

In the United States Senate, after the third reading has been ordered, there is still a vote on final passage.

In Ireland, the third reading is referred to as the "Report Final Stage". These are normally taken together. The question at final stage is "that the bill do now pass", as for the third reading in some other Westminster systems. When it passes one house, it is sent to the second house and enters at Second Stage. After both houses have passed the bill, it is sent to the President of Ireland to be signed into law. If there is a question regarding the constitutionality of the bill, the president may refer it to the Supreme Court of Ireland but otherwise may not withhold assent.