Drafting all Government legislation

Drafting all Government legislation

The Directorate of First Parliamentary Counsel is charged with the mandate; “to draft all Government legislation; i.e. Bills for debate and passing into legislation by Parliament, Statutory Instruments; including Rules, Regulations and Bye-laws and to advise on the legislative process and other legal issues. The Directorate also verifies Ordinances passed by District Councils and Bye-laws passed by Municipal Councils”.
The Directorate of First Parliamentary Counsel shall –

(i) Draft Bills, in accordance with the principles approved by Cabinet in consultation with the instructing Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) within 30 days of receipt of the request;
(ii) Prepare Cabinet Memoranda in respect of Bills of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, within 7 days;
(iii) Provide technical assistance in the drafting of private member’s Bills, on request, within 30 days;
(iv) Draft Statutory Instruments, Legal Notices and Parliamentary Resolutions within 14 days of receipt of instructions from MDAs;
(v) Vet Ordinances and bye-Laws for districts and municipal councils and re-draft them as necessary within 14 days of receipt of the draft.
(vi) Authorize publication of Acts of Parliament, Bills, Statutory Instruments and other legislative instruments within 2 days of receipt of approval.
(vii) Advise on the interpretation of existing and proposed laws within 2 weeks of receipt of the request; and
(viii) Advise on law reform within 14 days of receipt of the request.