MPs returned to Parliament last week after a two-week recess. Plenty awaited them, including the first Members' Day in almost two months.Members' Days give non-ministerial MPs the chance to propose their own laws.Four were debated on Wednesday, with three receiving their first readings. One bill expanded its support after a makeover in select committee. A second bill began the same process with hopes of a similar outcome.T​​he first bill began as the Life Jackets for Children and Young Persons Bill but returned to the House as the Maritime Transport (Lifejackets on Recreational Craft) Amendment Bill, after public submissions fundamentally reshaped what the legislation was trying to achieve.MPs expanded the bill's scope, then reopened submissions for feedback on their wider vision.National's Shane Reti, whose bill it is, said, "Two-thirds of submitters requested the scope of the bill be changed from under 15-year-olds to all ages on the basis that the average age of death in recreational boating incidents is actually more towards the age of 50 than 15."Labour MP Tangi Utikere, who is a member of the transport and infrastructure committee, said that willingness to reopen consultation was a strength of the bill's process."The committee sought the permission of the business committee to expand the scope. That was granted, and so the committee went out for round two."MPs praised each other for changing course because the evidence pointed in a different direction. Among them was ACT's Simon Court, whose party had opposed the original bill but changed its mind after submissions and amendments."In fact it was adults … going out in small craft with the hero cap on, feeling invincible, or simply not being prepared for when the conditions changed."Members' bills can produce unusual alliances. Shane Reti's lifejacket bill had early support from every party except National's coalition partner ACT. The Criminal Records (Clean Slate) (Additional Eligibility) Amendment Bill, from Labour MP Tangi Utikere, had support from every party except National."This bill is founded on a simple principle," Utikere said. "People who have genuinely turned their lives around should have the opportunity to move forward with their lives."New Zealanders believe in accountability. We expect people who offend to face the consequences of their actions, but I also believe New Zealanders believe in rehabilitation, redemption and second chances."The bill would extend Clean Slate eligibility to those who had served short custodial sentences (under a year) or had lost driving licences but who had since spent at least 10 years without committing an offence.National MPs said they agreed with the principle of rehabilitation but questioned whether the law should be extended."People fundamentally deserve a second chance," National MP Tim Costley said. "I guess that the question … is what does that look like, and where do we draw the line?"Costley argued Parliament needed to balance rehabilitation with consequences and deterrence before confirming National would oppose the bill.While National remained opposed, support from ACT and New Zealand First allowed the bill to pass its first reading.Labour MP Tangi Utikere.VNP / Phil SmithUtikere argued that select committee was where questions about a bill's parameters could be worked through."We could look at where the line is drawn, what offences should be in, what offences should be out."Whether National changes its position in committee when it returns for a second-reading debate remains to be seen.The week showed how public submissions, expert advice and cross-party cooperation in committee can reshape legislation into something substantially different from what was first introduced.A second bill begins the same journey, with supporters hoping scrutiny and public consultation might hone better law and, as a bonus, pick up unanimous support along the way.The justice committee is receiving submissions on the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) (Additional Eligibility) Amendment Bill until 3 September. Information on making a submission is available on Parliament's website.*RNZ's The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament's Office of the Clerk. Enjoy our articles or podcast at RNZ.