second reading

noun

1

: the stage in the British legislative process following the first reading and usually providing for debate on the principal features of a bill before its submission to a committee for consideration of details

2

: the stage in the U.S. legislative process that occurs when a bill has been reported back from committee and that provides an opportunity for full debate and amendment before a vote is taken on the question of a third reading

Examples of second reading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The pay increase, if approved on second reading, would be the first for the council since 2007, costing the city an additional $117,984 annually and equating to a 5% raise annually over the last 18 years. —Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 17 Jan. 2025

The ordinance passed on first reading on July 2 and passed on second reading on Aug. 20, according to the Sumner County Election Commission. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 6 Nov. 2024

The bill passed through the Montana House on its second reading on January 15, by a 58-42 vote along party lines. —Samantha Riedel, Them, 16 Jan. 2025

If the board takes action as recommended on Jan. 8, the supervisors would need to have a second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the code, expected to occur during its Jan. 22 session. —Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1