Government Glossary

Private Bill

Short Definition

In contrast to public bills (which apply to public matters and deal with individuals only by classes), a private bill.

Long Explanation

In contrast to public bills (which apply to public matters and deal with individuals only by classes), a private bill proposes to provide benefits that are restricted to one or more specified individuals (including corporations or institutions), typically when no other legal remedy is available. The Legislative Subject term “Private Legislation” is assigned to measures proposed to provide benefits that are restricted to one or more specified individuals. Measures with a Legislative Subject term assignment “Private Legislation” usually do not get a Policy Area term assignment. See also private laws.

In practice, Private Bill is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.

Examples

Simple exampleA visitor sees “Private Bill” on an official page and uses the term as a clue about which agency, branch, rule, record, or service is involved.

Civic exampleA reader checks the official source, identifies who has authority, and follows related Guide pages when the term connects to a larger public issue.

Common Misconception

A common mistake is treating Private Bill as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.

Related Terms

Legislative ProcessLegislation

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