SEVERAL PIECES of legislation on security and justice are to be tabled in Parliament before the end of the month, Information Minister Senator Burchell Whiteman has said.
"These bills are now ready for tabling in Parliament before July 31, 2005," Whiteman said at Monday's post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House.
"Some will be tabled in the Senate this week and the rest are expected to be tabled in the House of Representatives ... ," the minister said.
The bills include the Law Reform Notice of Alibi Evidence Act 2005, which states that notice of intention to adduce evidence in support of an alibi must be given to the prosecution by an accused person within 14 days of his arraignment.
Other bills to be tabled are:
The Police Civilian Oversight Authority Act, which will create a body external to the police force that is mandated to ensure accountability and adherence to policy guidelines and the observance of proper policing standards by the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
The Committal Proceedings Act is intended to abolish preliminary enquiries, create greater efficiency and reduce delays. It should also be more compatible with programmes for the protection of victims and witnesses.
The Interception of Communications and Amendment Act, which will allow for improvement of the system by which the security authority can intercept communications by telephone.
The Larceny Amendment Act, which deals with extortion and will provide a framework for the charging of persons engaging in extortion as well as for increased penalties.
In the meantime, Senator Whiteman said that the Evidence Amendment and the Firearm Amendment Acts, which are on the priority list, would not make the July 31 deadline.
