Third reading - Definition and Overview

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 on those of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the third reading occurs after the bill has been amended by committee. In the United States federal and state, legislatures a third reading occurs only if the two legislative houses pass differing versions on second reading and those differences must be resolved by conference committee. Third reading is unnecessary in the United States when the versions of the bill passed by both legislative houses are identical.

In Canada, debate and vote on bill is amended. It is then sent to the Senate for consideration, after third reading. The next step is then Royal Assent.

See also: first reading, second reading, Royal Assent