What is a key feature of a Bill before it becomes an Act?

A fundamental feature of a Bill before it becomes an Act is that it must be passed by both houses of Parliament. The legislative process typically involves several stages where a proposed law, or Bill, is debated, modified, and approved by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords (or their equivalents in other jurisdictions). Only after achieving this approval in both houses can the Bill move forward to receive assent from the head of state, thereby becoming law.

In contrast, a Bill is not confidential; it is usually available for public scrutiny and debate during its passage through Parliament. Additionally, once a Bill has been drafted, it does require further approval and cannot simply become law without undergoing the prescribed legislative process. Finally, while Bills are often published, any amendments made during debates or committee stages would not mean they are published without changes, as modifications are meant to refine the proposed legislation based on discussion and review. Thus, the necessity of passing both houses is a crucial step in the legislative process.