Bill Watch 58/2019
In Parliament This Week – Bills and
2020 National Budget Presentation
11 November 2019
Coming Up in the National Assembly
Lapsed Bills to be restored to the Order Paper
On Tuesday 12th November item 1 on the Order Paper will be a motion by the
Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs seeking the approval of the
House for the restoration of six lapsed Bills to the Order Paper at the stage
reached in the last session. The following list shows the stage reached previously
for each of these Bills:
Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Bill [Committee Stage in
National Assembly to be completed, including consideration of amendments
proposed by the Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce]
Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Amendment Bill [for Second Reading
stage]
Coroner’s Office Bill [for continuation of Second Reading debate]
Marriages Bill [waiting for Parliamentary Legal Committee [PLC] report]
Freedom of Information Bill [waiting for PLC report]
Education Amendment Bill [waiting for resolution of last-minute disagreement
between the Houses, the National Assembly having rejected an amendment
made by the Senate]
All these Bills lapsed at the end of the last session because they had not been
completed. Standing Order 161(1) allows the House to approve the Minister’s
motion – a means of avoiding wasting work devoted to a Bill by MPs and
Parliamentary staff – and the expense incurred in carrying out that work.
Note: The Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill also lapsed at the end of the last
session while it was under consideration by the PLC after its First Reading [but is
missing from the Minister’ motion].
Gazetted Bills Now Ready to be Presented
The following Bills, having been gazetted more than fourteen days ago, all qualify
for presentation and First Reading and then automatic referral for consideration
by the Parliamentary Legal Committee – which means that presentation may
occur this week:
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Amendment Bill
International Treaties Bill
Constitutional Court Bill
The Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Bill, which was only gazetted on 1st
November, does not yet qualify for presentation and First Reading.
International Agreements for Parliamentary Approval
Two international agreements are listed for approval in terms of section 327(2) of
the Constitution. Approval by both Houses of Parliament will clear the way for
Zimbabwe to ratify these agreements.
Economic Partnership Agreement between the UK and Eastern and Southern
African States
This agreement was signed on behalf of Zimbabwe on 31st January 2019.