What characterizes private bills?

Private bills are a specific type of legislation that is designed to confer special powers or benefits to particular individuals or organizations, rather than addressing the public at large. The defining characteristic of private bills is that they seek to obtain powers or privileges that exceed those granted under general laws. This means that they often provide a tailored solution to a specific issue or requirement for a select group, which sets them apart from public bills that impact the general populace.

For example, a private bill might allow a private company to build a structure that would otherwise contravene existing regulations, or it might grant specific legal rights to a local charity. Since these bills alter the legal status or operational abilities of an entity beyond what is available to all under standard law, they require a distinct legislative process.

The other choices either miss the specific nature of private bills or confuse them with aspects of public legislation. Private bills are not solely promoted by the government, nor do they typically affect only public bodies; they can concern any private entity. Additionally, private bills do not result in public acts; rather, they create exceptions to the ordinary laws for particular cases. Thus, obtaining powers that exceed general laws is the essence of what characterizes private bills.