Parliamentary procedure in text
Here you will find a text-based overview of the procedure between the Government and the Storting. The overview explains who does what and which publications belong to the various parts of the proceedings.
See also an illustration of the proceedings
The government initiates business. An expert commission is often appointed to consider the issue.
Publications and documentation:
- NOU (green paper), Official Norwegian Report
The ministries consider the issue. A Proposition to the Storting or a Report to the Storting (white paper) is drawn up.
The Government deals with the issue in the Council of State and submits either the Proposition to the Storting or the Report to the Storting (white paper).
Publications and documentation:
- Proposition to the Storting (Resolution)
Proposal from the Government for a resolution in the Storting. - Proposition to the Storting (Bill)
Proposal from the Government for the Enactment of a Bill. - Proposition to the Storting (Bill and Resolution)
Proposal from the Government containing both the Enactment of a Bill and a resolution in the Storting. - Proposition to the Storting (White paper)
Report on an issue within a particular field, or the laying out of future government policy.
Member of Parliament puts forward a Private Member’s Motion or Bill.
Publications and documentation:
- Private Member’s Motion or Private Member’s Bill
Proposal put forward by a Member of Parliament
The Storting sends the issue to one of the standing committees.
The Standing Committee submits its recommendations for considerations in the Storting.
Publications and documentation:
- Recommendation to the Storting
The committee’s remarks and recommendations on ordinary matters and issues relating to the budget - Recommendation to the Storting (Bill)
The committee’s remarks and recommendations on legislative matters.
Bills are dealt with in the Storting (First Reading) and a legislative enactment is made.
Publications and documentation:
- Enactment of the Bill
Decision after the Storting has considered the Bill in the First Reading.
The Storting deals with the Bill (Second reading) and makes a final decision.
The Enactment of the Bill appears in the Official Report of the sitting. In the event of disagreement in the Second Reading, the Bill is considered a third time in the Storting (Third Reading). The amendments will either be adopted or rejected. Publications are numbered sequentially.
Publications and documentation:
- Amendments to the Bill
Written remarks after the Storting has considered the Bill in the Second Reading in the event that some or all of the Enactment of the Bill is not approved.
The King in Council for approval. The King and the Prime Miniester sign the final Enactment of the Bill.
Other issues are dealt with in the Storting and a Resolution in the Storting is made.
Publications and documentation:
- Official report
Stenographic report from the sittings in the Storting.