The current rules on partnerships date back to the 19th century and are no longer deemed to meet present-day needs. To this end, on 21 February 2019, new rules on partnerships were submitted for consultation. An earlier draft was withdrawn in 2011, and an initiative was subsequently launched for a new proposal which culminated in the September 2016 report by the partnerships working group. This report largely forms the basis for the current bill (the "bill").