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Forensic Science Regulator Bill completes passage through Parliament

23 April 2021

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The Forensic Science Regulator Bill had its third reading, a chance for members to make sure the eventual law is effective, workable and without loopholes, on Thursday 22 April.

This bill aims to establish the role of a Forensic Science Regulator.

This is a private member's bill. A private member's bill is a type of public bill introduced by a member of the House of Lords (rather than the government). It must go through the same set of procedures as all public bills.

No changes to the wording of the bill were suggested ahead of third reading.

Members discussed the progress of the bill through the House at its conclusion of Lords stages.

As both Houses have agreed on the text of the bill it now awaits the final stage of Royal Assent. It will then become an Act of Parliament (law). 

A date for Royal Assent is yet to be scheduled. 

Committee and report stages: Thursday 15 April.

As no changes were suggested, both committee stage and report stage were passed for the bill to progress directly to third reading (a procedure known as ‘order of commitment discharged’).

Second reading: Friday 19 March

Members discussed the key/main principles and purpose of the bill during second reading.

Forensic Science Regulator Bill

This bill aims to establish the role of a Forensic Science Regulator as a statutory office holder to exercise functions in respect of forensic science activities in the criminal justice system of England and Wales.

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