How does a bill become law in Türkiye?
Short answer
A bill is submitted to the Grand National Assembly (TBMM), reviewed in committee, then debated and voted on in the General Assembly. The President promulgates it within 15 days or returns it; it takes effect once published in the Official Gazette.
Checklist
- Was the bill submitted to the TBMM Speaker's Office?
- Was the lead committee report prepared?
- Was it adopted in the General Assembly?
- Did the President act within 15 days?
- Was it published in the Official Gazette?
Under the Constitution, the power to make laws belongs to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM), and it cannot be delegated. Turning an idea into law follows an orderly process with several stages.
The process step by step
- Submitting the billOnly members of parliament can introduce a bill. It is submitted in writing, with its rationale, to the TBMM Speaker's Office.
- Referral to committeeThe Speaker's Office sends the bill to the lead committee according to its subject. In some cases, other committees may also give their opinion.
- Committee reviewThe committee discusses the bill, amends it if needed and prepares a report. If it is adopted, the report goes to the General Assembly.
- General Assembly debateThe bill is debated first as a whole, then article by article. Amendments can be proposed by motion. The articles and the bill as a whole are put to a vote.
- Sent to the PresidentThe adopted law is sent to the President.
- Publication and entry into forceThe President promulgates the law in the Official Gazette. It takes effect on the date stated in it, or on the date of publication if none is stated.
The President's role
The President either promulgates a law adopted by TBMM within 15 days or returns it to TBMM with reasons for reconsideration. If TBMM adopts the returned law unchanged, it is promulgated. If TBMM amends it, the President may return it again.
Review after publication
A published law can be taken to the Constitutional Court on the grounds that it violates the Constitution. The Constitution lists who may apply: the President, a specified number of members of parliament, or parties with a group in the Assembly may file an annulment action. The filing period is limited to 60 days from publication. If the Court annuls a provision, that provision ceases to be in force.
- Bill: The text members of parliament submit to the Assembly.
- Lead committee: The committee that first examines the bill in detail.
- General Assembly: The body of all members of parliament, which takes the final decision.
- Official Gazette: The official publication through which laws are announced to the public.
Frequently asked questions
Who can introduce a bill?
Members of parliament can. Citizens cannot introduce bills directly, but their requests can reach parliament through members or by petition.
What if the President does not approve a law?
The President can return it to TBMM. If TBMM adopts it unchanged, it is promulgated.
When does a law take effect?
On the date stated in the law, or on its publication date in the Official Gazette if none is stated.
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