Parliamentary questions and motions

The State Parliament has a number of instruments available to it in the form of parliamentary motions and questions which enable it to respond to and examine the work of the government.

Draft law
Draft laws are introduced by MPs and must be signed by at least eight MPs or a parliamentary group. Draft legislation is deliberated in two or three readings in the Chamber. Bills pass into law by majority vote. An exception is a law to amend the constitution which requires a two thirds majority.

Debate
A debate on an issue of current or general interest can be initiated – even at short notice - by a motion tabled by a parliamentary group.

Motion
Motions are proposed in order to impose a specific course of action on the government. Motions can be tabled by five MPs or a parliamentary group.

Minor Interpellation
Each deputy may address so-called minor interpellations to the government which are answered in writing.

Major Interpellation
Major interpellations can be submitted by a group of fifteen MPs or a parliamentary group and are used to demand statements from the State Government or to trigger a parliamentary debate.

Question Time
Each MP is able to put formal verbal questions to the government. Questions asked during question time are answered briefly by the government in the Chamber.