The Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 received royal assent on Wednesday 7 October.
Once granted, a bill passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly becomes law.
The legislation establishes a formal inquiry into institutions operating between 1922 and 1995.
It also sets up a redress scheme for victims and survivors of Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses.
The Committee for the Executive Office has paid tribute to those affected as the act becomes law.
Scrutiny of the bill began in June 2025 with extensive engagement from victims and survivors.
A wide range of testimonies and views were heard during the committee's review.
The executive office opened an eight-week public consultation on inquiry rules and redress scheme regulations starting 23 September 2026.