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Laws on animal welfare and racial discrimination due before 2026

Gov't announced programme to introduce 70 new bills

Animal welfare laws, a hate crime bill and improvements to legislation for whistleblowers are among the laws the current government is aiming to bring in before the 2026 General Election.

The Legislative Programme for the current administration has been published as part of an update to the Island Plan.

A total of 70 bills are scheduled to be introduced before the current House of Keys is disbanded in 2026, including seven this year.

Next month, work is due to get underway on an Animal Welfare Bill - something that failed to gain support in the previous administration.

Laws to ensure the future operation of the Douglas Bay Tramway is on secure legal footing are schedule for the 2022-23 parliamentary year, along with a Family Leave Rights Bill that would enable parents to share parental leave.

The Island's need to meet international obligations around racial discrimination will be addressed in the 2023-24 period with a Hate Crime Bill.

An Employment Amendment Bill, due the following year, pledges to improve the legislative regime for whistleblowers.

In the final year of the current administration, mental health legislation is due to be updated, and wellbeing laws ensuring wellbeing is incorporated into policy making.

Penalty fares on public transport and extradition powers for the police are among the other areas due to be addressed in the current administration.

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