WITH MSPs having returned to Holyrood after the summer recess, the Scottish Government has set out its Programme for Scotland 2019-20.
It details the Government's plans for the next year, including its legislative programme for the next parliamentary year.
Here are the bills that will be brought before MSPs:
ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE (AMENDMENT) BILL: Raises the maximum punishment for serious crimes against animals to five years and implements “Finn’s Law” to protect service animals.
BUDGET BILL: Annual legislation which provides parliamentary approval for the Scottish Government’s spending plans and allocation of resources.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY BILL: Brings in a “latte levy” on single-use drinks cups and creates a new penalty for littering from vehicles. Also encourages the reuse of products and a new approach to waste.
CIVIL PARTNERSHIP BILL: Extends this form of union to mixed-sex couples.
CONTINUITY BILL: Allows alignment with EU law in devolved areas after Brexit, including on the environment, and – according to Sturgeon – sends a message to Europe about Scotland’s membership intentions.
DEFAMATION AND MALICIOUS PUBLICATION BILL: Simplifies and modernises Scots law in this area to “balance” freedom of expression and the protection of individuals’ reputations.
UEFA EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP BILL: Bars ticket touting and protects commercial interests in connection with the 2020 tournament, for which Glasgow is one of 12 host cities.
READ MORE: Scottish Government proposes to move elections to every five years
FORENSIC MEDICAL SERVICES (VICTIMS OF SEXUAL OFFENCES) BILL: Introduces a self-referral system allowing victims of a sexual crime to undergo a forensic examination without first reporting the crime to police. Aims to improve services and ensuring cases are handled more effectively by the justice and healthcare systems.
GOOD FOOD NATION BILL: Provides a statutory framework to make Scotland a country “where people benefit from and take pride and pleasure in the food we produce, buy, cook, serve and eat every day”. Part of efforts to promote healthier lifestyles and more sustainable local produce.
HATE CRIME BILL: Extends the characteristics covered by hate crime laws and introduces “stirring up” offences for these. A consultation on the adoption of a definition of Islamophobia will be held.
HEAT NETWORKS BILL: Regulates the sector to accelerate the creation of district and communal networks to contribute to climate change targets.
REDRESS (SURVIVORS OF IN CARE ABUSE) BILL: Establishes a payout scheme for those who endured historical child abuse whilst in care.
RURAL SUPPORT BILL: Introduces regulation-making powers for Scottish ministers to amend or replace the EU Common Agricultural Policy elements of retained EU law after Brexit.
TRANSIENT VISITOR LEVY BILL: Gives local authorities the power to introduce their own “tourist tax” – as long as the monies collected from that are invested back into tourism in affected regions.
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