On Monday, 27th April 2026, the Senate convened at 9:14 a.m. inside of the the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan to conduct its scheduled Sitting and consider several pieces of legislation brought from the House of Representatives.

The Sitting opened with prayers led by Senator Patrick Faber, followed by announcements from Madam President. During her announcements, Madam President informed Honourable Senators that Cabinet’s recommendation, signified by letters dated 12th December 2025, had been received in relation to the following Bills:

  1. Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025;
  2. Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2025;
  3. Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025; and
  4. Trade Licensing (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2025.

BILLS BROUGHT FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIX (6) Bills were brought from the House of Representatives and taken in charge by the Leader of Government Business:

  1. Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025;
  2. Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2025;
  3. Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025;
  4. Trade Licensing (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2025;
  5. Deoxyribonucleic Acid Bill, 2025; and
  6. Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025.

In accordance with Standing Order No. 49(1), the Leader of Government Business moved that the Bills be taken through all their stages forthwith. The motion was approved by the Senate.

PAPERS

THREE (3) Sessional Papers were presented and laid on the Table by the Leader of Government Business:

  • No. 38/1/15 – Fiscal Strategy Plan Fiscal Year 2025–2026 to Fiscal Year 2027–2028 – Ministry of Finance, Government of Belize;
  • No. 39/1/15 – Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing – Eighth Road Project (George Price Highway: Belize City to Hattieville) and Belcan Bridge Replacement Project;
  • No. 40/1/15 – Supplies Control (Prices) (Amendment) (No.8) Regulations, 2026.

These Papers were ordered to lie on the Table.

MOTIONS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS OR SITTINGS OF THE SENATE

The Leader of Government Business moved that at its rising, the Senate adjourn to Tuesday, 28th April 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The motion was approved.

BILLS FOR SECOND READING

SIX (6) Bills were read a second time:

  1. Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to vary the rate of duty on soups and broths in solid or powder form, including ramen noodles and related items.
  2. Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to satisfy Financial Action Task Force requirements regarding digital assets and digital asset service providers.
  3. Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to provide for the granting of a special licence for trading in digital assets and similar activities.
  4. Trade Licensing (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to provide for the determination of annual licence fees for trades in towns and villages and make transitional provisions.
  5. Deoxyribonucleic Acid Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to establish a National DNA Database and provide a framework for the collection and use of DNA samples for criminal investigations and missing persons cases.
  6. Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025
    • This Bill seeks to establish mechanisms to enhance climate resilience and low emission development, and to create a market in Belize to trade carbon credits.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE SENATE

Following the second readings, the Senate resolved into a Committee of the Whole Senate, chaired by Madam President, to consider the Bills clause by clause.

During this stage:

  • The Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025 was considered and approved without amendment.
  • The Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was considered and approved without amendment.
  • The Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was considered and approved without amendment.
  • The Trade Licensing (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2025 was considered and approved without amendment.
  • The Deoxyribonucleic Acid Bill, 2025 was considered and approved with amendments.
  • The Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025 was considered and approved with amendments.

The Senate then resumed.

REPORTING AND THIRD READING OF BILLS

Following reporting from the Committee of the Whole Senate, SIX (6) Bills were read a third time and passed:

  1. Customs and Excise Duties (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025 – Passed without amendment;
  2. Money Laundering and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Passed without amendment;
  3. Financial Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Passed without amendment;
  4. Trade Licensing (Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2025 – Passed without amendment;
  5. Deoxyribonucleic Acid Bill, 2025 – Passed with amendments;
  6. Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiatives Bill, 2025 – Passed with amendments.

ADJOURNMENT

The Senate adjourned at 8:14 P.M. to Tuesday, 28th April 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

STAY ENGAGED

Members of the public are encouraged to follow Senate proceedings and access Bills, sessional papers, and Hansards through the National Assembly’s official channels.

Together, let’s build a more informed and engaged Belize