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BILLS & SROS REVIEW

Every plain-language explanation below is a DRAFT written by the ingestion agent from the bill's own text — nothing here is public until you read it, edit it if needed, and approve it. This matters more here than almost anywhere else in this archive: a wrong paraphrase of what a law actually does is a bigger credibility risk than a wrong paraphrase of a claim.

20 bills ingested · 0 awaiting review.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund Bill, 2026

Economy · First Reading · 2026-02-10

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms  Imagine a national emergency savings and investment account. Just like a family setting aside part of their income into a high-interest account that nobody can touch for everyday spending, this law creates a national fund to save money from major revenue sources like Citizenship by Investment and geothermal energy. The government can only pull money out during severe crises like major hurricanes, deep economic slumps, or for major public projects that make the country stronger against future shocks.  ## What This Law Does  This law sets up the Saint Kitts and Nevis Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund. The fund stores and invests government money so the nation has financial protection during hard times and savings for future generations.  It breaks the money into specific sub-funds, including:  - A General Investment Sub-Fund for long-term growth.  - A Natural Disaster Sub-Fund for quick emergency recovery.  - A Resilience Sub-Fund for economic stability.  - An Essential National Infrastructure Sub-Fund for critical building projects.  ## Where The Money Comes From  The Fund gets money from several public sources, including:  - Up to 25% of profits from the Citizenship by Investment Unit.  - Up to 25% of Sustainable Island State Contributions collected by the Citizenship Unit.  - Up to 25% of profits from the Geothermal Energy Authority.  - Grants, donations, and money set aside by Parliament.  - Profits earned from the Fund's own investments.  ## Rules For Taking Money Out  Money cannot be spent freely. The law sets strict limits on withdrawals:  - For natural disasters: Withdrawals require a declared emergency and damage assessment, capped at 30% of the Fund's balance or the assessed loss (whichever is lower).  - For economic shocks: Withdrawals can occur if the economy shrinks by at least 3% or government revenue drops by at least 15%, subject to strict caps.  - For major infrastructure: Withdrawals are limited to 5% of the Fund balance or recent investment earnings, so the core savings are not wiped out.  - No collateral: Fund assets cannot be used as collateral for loans or given as credit to private entities or the government.  ## How The Fund Is Managed  - A 7-member Board of Directors oversees the Fund, with members appointed by leaders across government, opposition, and business sectors.  - Professional, independent investment managers handle day-to-day investments following international standards (the Santiago Principles).  - The Board must publish investment information on a public website and keep accounts open for public inspection.  ## Penalties  The law establishes strict penalties for breaking confidentiality and ethics rules:  - Leaking confidential Fund information: A fine up to $25,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.  - Using insider information for personal financial gain: A fine up to twice the financial gain, up to 5 years in prison, or both.  - Refusing to cooperate with official audits: A fine up to $50,000, up to 3 years in prison, or both.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Where does the Sovereign Wealth and Resilience Fund get its money?
When is the government allowed to withdraw money from the Fund?
Can the Fund's assets be used as collateral for government loans?
Who is responsible for managing and overseeing the Fund?
What are the penalties if someone leaks confidential Fund information?

Special Sustainability Zones Authorisation Act, 2025

No. 21 of 2025 · Economy · Passed into Law / Act · 2025-09-18

Approved — live

Source ↗Bill PDF ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law gives the Prime Minister and Cabinet the authority to sign agreements with private developers to build Special Sustainability Zones in Saint Kitts and Nevis. If a zone is built on Nevis, the Nevis Island Administration must also give prior approval and sign the agreement.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like setting up a dedicated master-planned community with customized rules. If a qualified developer wants to build a large eco-friendly development, the government can enter a contract to grant specific tax breaks, provided the developer proves the project will create local jobs, protect the environment, and run reliably for years to come.

## Requirements for Developers
Before a development agreement can be signed, the developer must meet strict conditions:
- Present an economic report showing the project will create jobs, attract investment, and generate government revenue for at least 10 years.
- Present plans for clean water access, public safety, health services, and dispute resolution.
- Plan for renewable energy to cover at least 70 percent of the zone's energy needs.
- Design infrastructure that is climate-resilient, hurricane-resistant, and earthquake-resistant.
- Prove they have the financial capability, technical ability, and land ownership or lease agreements.

## Concessions and Tax Relief
- Developers may be granted reductions or exemptions on taxes, duties, and government fees to make the project economically viable.
- These tax breaks must be proportional to the overall public benefit provided by the zone.
- Tax breaks given to one developer do not automatically apply to any other project.

## What Remains Under Government Control
Development agreements cannot transfer core national responsibilities away from the government. The government retains total control over:
- Foreign affairs and military defense.
- Citizenship, residency, and voter registration.
- The authority of the national court system.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What is a Special Sustainability Zone?
Who has to approve a sustainability zone before it gets built?
What must a developer prove before getting an agreement?
Does this law give developers automatic tax breaks?
Can developers control things like national defense or voter registration?

Industrial Designs Bill, 2025

Economy · First Reading · 2025-07-08

Approved — live

Source ↗Bill PDF ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of an industrial design as the unique visual look of a product—like the distinct shape of a chair, a bottle, or a printed fabric pattern. If someone copies your original design for business without your permission, this law gives you the legal power to stop them and claim damages. It works like putting an official lock on your visual product ideas so competitors cannot steal your creative work.

## What This Law Does
This Act sets up a complete legal framework for protecting and registering industrial designs in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Key provisions include:
- Protecting unregistered designs for 3 years from when they are first made public in the country.
- Protecting registered designs for 5 years, which can be renewed for 5-year periods up to 25 years total.
- Granting a 12-month grace period so that showing your design publicly before filing does not destroy your ability to register it.
- Linking Saint Kitts and Nevis to international intellectual property rules like the Hague Agreement and Paris Convention.

## Who It Affects
This law applies to:
- Local artists, craftspeople, and industrial designers who create product appearances.
- Businesses, manufacturers, and importers selling physical products in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Foreign design owners who want legal protection for their products locally.

## What Changes For You
- You can file an application with the Intellectual Property Office to register your original product design.
- You can ask to keep your application secret for up to 30 months before it is published.
- If someone infringes your design, you can take them to court to get injunctions, seize or destroy illegal copies, and collect lost profits or damages.

## Exceptions
Protection is not granted for:
- Features dictated purely by technical function or mechanics.
- Exact shapes required only to connect one product mechanically to another (unless part of a modular system).
- Designs that go against public order or morality.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What counts as an industrial design under this law?
How long does design protection last?
What happens if someone copies my registered design without permission?
Can I keep my design registration secret for a while before it becomes public?
Can I still register my design if I already showed it to the public?

Housing and Social Development Levy (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Housing · First Reading · 2025-07-08

Approved — live

Source ↗Bill PDF ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

How much levy do I pay if I earn $520 a week or less?
Does my employer still pay the levy if my contribution is 0%?
What is the yearly salary limit to pay 0% levy?
Which law is being changed by this bill?

National Lotteries Authority Bill, 2025

Governance · Draft · 2025-05-16

Approved — live

Source ↗Bill PDF ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms

Think of this law like setting up a single, official public raffle system for the whole country. Instead of unregulated private games, one main government-created body handles all lotteries, pays out prizes, and uses the remaining profits to fund community health clinics, youth programs, and sports projects.

## What This Law Does

This bill establishes the National Lotteries Authority as the sole organization responsible for running public lotteries and games of chance in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Main features include:
- Organising lotteries, raffles, sports betting, and online or interactive games of chance.
- Hiring local sales agents paid on commission to sell lottery tickets.
- Directing profits and reserves into health programs and youth and sports projects across the country.
- Repealing the previous Lotteries Act.

Games of chance played strictly inside licensed physical casinos are exempted and remain under separate gaming regulations.

## Who Runs the Authority

The Authority is managed by a Board of up to 7 members appointed by the Minister of Finance for terms of up to 2 years. The Board appoints a General Manager to oversee daily operations.

## Tax and Duty Exemptions

The law provides specific financial exemptions for the Authority:
- Lottery ticket sales and prizes won are exempt from income tax, sales tax, and value-added taxes.
- The Authority is exempt from paying stamp duty and registry fees.
- Lottery equipment, software, and promotional materials imported for official use are exempt from customs duties and consumption taxes.

## Penalties

Running unauthorized lotteries or failing to cooperate with official audits carries strict legal penalties:
- Promoting or conducting an illegal lottery can result in a fine up to $50,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
- Company directors or senior officers who knowingly allow an illegal lottery face fines of $50,000, up to 10 years in prison, or both.
- Refusing to provide documents or information to an official auditor carries a fine up to $1,000, up to 3 months in prison, or both.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Where do the profits from the national lotteries go?
Do lottery ticket buyers or prize winners have to pay tax?
What are the penalties for running an unauthorized lottery?
Does this new law apply to games played inside physical casinos?
Who chooses the members of the National Lotteries Board?

Proceeds of Crime and Asset Recovery (Amendment) Bill, 2025

Security · Draft · 2025-04-30

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What change does this bill make?
Who is given the power to change the team's composition?
Which existing law does this bill amend?
How can the Minister change who serves on the team?

Extradition Bill 2025

Security · Draft · 2025-04-30

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law sets up the rules and legal procedures for returning accused or convicted criminals between Saint Kitts and Nevis and foreign countries. It replaces the older Extradition Act (Cap 4.08) and updates extradition arrangements with CARICOM nations, Commonwealth countries, and foreign treaty partners.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like an official rulebook for handling fugitives who cross borders to escape justice. If someone commits a major crime in another country and flees to Saint Kitts and Nevis, or flees overseas after committing a crime locally, this law outlines how police and courts can arrest and transfer them. It makes sure that anyone facing extradition gets a fair hearing before a judge before being handed over.

## Who It Affects
- Persons in Saint Kitts and Nevis wanted for extraditable crimes in other countries.
- Persons wanted by Saint Kitts and Nevis authorities who have fled to foreign countries.

## Extraditable Crimes
An offence is extraditable if it carries a prison term of at least one year in the requesting country and would also be a crime in Saint Kitts and Nevis. Examples from the law include:
- Murder, manslaughter, and wounding
- Drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking
- Rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking
- Kidnapping, robbery, burglary, and extortion
- Fraud, bribery, money laundering, and forgery
- Hijacking, piracy, and terrorism financing

## Key Rules and Rights
- Any person arrested under an extradition warrant must be brought before a Magistrate's Court within 48 hours.
- Extradition cannot be used for political offences or as a cover to punish someone because of their race, nationality, religion, or political views.
- A person ordered to be extradited must be informed of their right to appeal the order to the High Court.
- The law allows a person to voluntarily consent in court to being extradited.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What kinds of crimes can someone be extradited for under this law?
Can a person be extradited for a political offence?
How soon after being arrested must a wanted person be taken to court?
Can someone appeal a court order sending them to another country?
Which countries are covered by this extradition law?

ASPIRE Bill, 2024

Social Protection · Draft · 2024-11-06

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law sets up the ASPIRE program to teach financial skills, encourage saving, and invest in young people in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

ASPIRE stands for Achieving Success through Personal Investment, Resources, and Education.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law as setting up a starter nest egg for every child in the country. Instead of just teaching children about money in a textbook, the government opens an actual savings account for them, buys them stock in local companies, and teaches them how investments work from a young age.

## Who It Affects
- Young citizens between 5 and 18 years old who live in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Students and young people who will receive financial training in schools and community programs.

## How The Fund Works
The law creates a special account called the ASPIRE Fund. Money for the fund comes from:
- Government funds approved by Parliament
- Financial grants
- Private donations
- Other sources approved by the Minister of Finance and Cabinet

The money in the fund will be used to:
- Open savings accounts for young citizens aged 5 to 18
- Buy shares in local companies for children aged 5 to 18
- Run financial literacy training in schools and public programs

## Who Runs The Program
A 9-member group called the ASPIRE Council will manage the money and oversee the program. The council includes a Chairperson appointed by the Finance Minister, the Cabinet Secretary, and representatives recommended by:
- The Premier of Nevis
- The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank
- The Saint Kitts Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- The Social Security Board
- The Bankers and Financial Services Association
- The Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions
- The Ministry responsible for youth empowerment

## When It Takes Effect
This law will officially start working on a date chosen by the Cabinet and announced in the government Gazette.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Which children are eligible to get a savings account and company shares?
Where will the money for the ASPIRE Fund come from?
What specific things will the ASPIRE Fund pay for?
Who serves on the council that manages the ASPIRE program?
When does the ASPIRE program officially start?

Citizenship By Investment Unit Bill 2024

Economy · Draft · 2024-03-25

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like turning a government department into an official, independent corporate body with its own board of directors. Instead of operating under simple regulations, the Citizenship by Investment Unit becomes a formal standalone organization that can hire staff, hold money, and enter into contracts under its own name.

## What This Law Does
This bill officially creates the Citizenship by Investment Unit as a corporate entity. It establishes a Board of Governors appointed by the Minister to oversee the Unit's management, finances, and project approvals.

## Key Duties of the Board
The Board of Governors is responsible for:
- Managing the daily operations and finances of the Unit.
- Reviewing citizenship investment proposals to make sure they are legally sound and beneficial to Saint Kitts and Nevis.
- Submitting approved investment projects to the Federal Cabinet.
- Hiring independent auditors every year to inspect the Unit's books and publishing the results in the Official Gazette.

## How Funds Are Divided
The bill clearly splits how money from citizenship applications is handled:
- Application fees, marketing agent fees, and due diligence fees are kept by the Unit to pay salaries and running costs.
- Main investment contributions (like the Sustainable Island State Contribution) must be paid directly into the government's central bank account, known as the Consolidated Fund.

## Rules and Penalties
All board members and staff must take an official oath of secrecy and keep application details confidential. They are protected from personal legal claims for work done in good faith. However, anyone who refuses to give financial documents or information to the independent auditor faces severe penalties:
- A fine of up to $50,000
- Up to 3 years in prison, or both
- Immediate removal from their job or board position

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What is the main purpose of establishing the Citizenship by Investment Unit as a body corporate?
Who manages and oversees the operations of the Unit?
Where do application fees and investment contributions go?
What happens if an officer or staff member refuses to cooperate with an independent audit?
Are staff and board members required to keep applicant information secret?

Culture & Entertainment · Draft · 2024-02-29

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of copyright law like a deed to a house, but for things you create with your mind like songs, books, paintings, or software. Just as someone cannot move into your house without your permission, others cannot sell, copy, or publicly perform your creative work without your consent. This law gives creators control over how their creations are used while allowing the public to use works fairly for learning, reporting, or personal backup.

## What This Law Does
This bill updates and expands copyright protections for creative works and performers in Saint Kitts and Nevis. It covers literary works, music, films, computer programs, broadcasts, and live performances.

It establishes rules on copyright ownership, protection duration, licensing schemes, and safeguards against digital piracy and unauthorized copying.

## What Changes For You
- Creators automatically receive copyright protection upon creating an original work, along with moral rights to be named as the author and to prevent derogatory changes to their work.
- If an employee creates a work as part of their job duties, the employer owns the copyright unless a contract states otherwise.
- Authorized entities can convert written works into accessible formats (such as Braille or audiobooks) for visually impaired individuals on a non-profit basis.
- Individuals are allowed to make single backup copies of works they legally own and use short extracts for criticism, review, educational instruction, or reporting news.

## Penalties
Selling, importing, or distributing pirated copies or illegal digital bypass devices carries heavy penalties:
- Summary conviction: Fines up to $25,000 or $50,000, and prison terms up to 1 or 2 years.
- Conviction on indictment: Fines up to $100,000 or $250,000, and prison terms up to 3 or 5 years.

(Note: The legislative text provided cuts off at Section 135).

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

How long does copyright protection last for a book or song?
Who owns a work created by an employee on the job?
Can I create a backup copy of a work I legally purchased?
What are the penalties for selling pirated copies?
Does this law protect performers when their live shows are recorded?

Unauthorized Disclosure of Official Information Act

No. 16 of 2023 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2023-12-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Imagine a company where workers are trusted with confidential records, trade secrets, and customer data. If a worker leaks those files without permission, or if someone else receives a leaked file and posts it online, they can be punished. This law works the same way for government operations, making it illegal to leak or pass along sensitive government documents without authorization.

## What This Law Does
This law creates strict rules and penalties against leaking official government information without authority. It prohibits sharing sensitive details in key areas:
- National security and intelligence services
- Military defence plans, equipment, weapons, and operations
- Confidential foreign relations and information shared by international bodies
- Law enforcement details that could hamper crime prevention or help prisoners escape
- Cabinet discussions, private corporate trade secrets, public health records, and internal policy advice

## Who It Affects
This law applies mainly to public officers and government workers who handle official files. It also applies to members of the public who knowingly receive and leak protected government documents that were passed to them without permission.

## Defences
Someone accused of leaking information can defend themselves if they can prove:
- They did not know or have reason to believe the document was protected or damaging
- They reasonably believed they had official permission to share it

## Penalties
Breaking this law carries stiff financial and prison penalties:
- Minor document handling offences carry a fine up to $10,000, up to 3 months in prison, or both.
- General unauthorized disclosure offences carry a fine up to $20,000 or up to 6 months in prison for minor cases, and a fine up to $100,000 or up to 2 years in prison for major cases.

## When It Takes Effect
The law was signed on December 5, 2023, but will officially come into force on a date announced by the Minister in the official Gazette.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Who does this law apply to?
What types of government information are illegal to share?
Can an ordinary person be punished for sharing a leaked government document?
What are the penalties for leaking secret government information?
Is it a defence if I did not know the information was secret?

St. Kitts and Nevis Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2023

No. 20 of 2023 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2023-12-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of a government worker who sees a colleague stealing public funds or breaking safety rules. Under this law, that worker can report the wrongdoing to specific officials without fear of being fired, demoted, or sued. It acts as a legal shield so people inside government can speak up about corruption safely.

## What This Law Does
This Act protects public officers who report corrupt or improper conduct in good faith. Reports can be submitted in writing or spoken out loud, and individuals can also choose to make reports anonymously.

## Who You Can Report To
Reports must generally be made to designated authorities, including:
- The Chairperson of the Integrity Commission
- The Special Prosecutor
- The Director of Public Prosecutions
- The Ombudsman
- The Chief Medical Officer
- The Prime Minister (specifically for matters affecting national security, defence, or international relations)

## Workplace Protections
If a public officer makes a report in good faith, their employer cannot fire, suspend, demote, harass, or penalize them. If a worker is punished at or around the same time they make a disclosure, the law automatically assumes the punishment was retaliation unless the employer can prove otherwise.

## Penalties for Violations
This law creates strict penalties for misconduct:
- Leaking a whistleblower's identity without written permission carries a fine of up to $100,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.
- Knowingly making a false report, stopping someone from reporting, punishing a whistleblower, or destroying evidence carries fines between $50,000 and $100,000, and prison terms ranging from 2 to 5 years.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Who can I report corruption or improper conduct to?
Can I make a whistleblowing report anonymously?
What protections do I have if my employer tries to fire me for reporting corruption?
What happens if someone lies and makes a false report on purpose?
What is the punishment for leaking a whistleblower's identity?

Anti-Corruption Act No. 5 of 2023

No. 5 of 2023 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2023-12-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law defines criminal corrupt conduct by people in public life and creates a dedicated Special Prosecutor's Office to receive complaints, investigate breaches, and prosecute corrupt actions in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like appointing an independent, full-time referee specifically to watch public officials and government workers. If a politician or public officer accepts a bribe, misuses government vehicles or property, or takes money to give someone a public job or contract, this law gives a Special Prosecutor the legal power to investigate them and take them to court.

## Key Rules for Public Officials
The law strictly forbids government officers and officials from doing any of the following:
- Demanding, accepting, or offering bribes, kickbacks, or personal favours in exchange for official actions
- Using government money, property, or vehicles for private gain or political party activities
- Buying, selling, or negotiating appointments to public offices
- Subscribing to election funds to win or keep government contracts
- Failing to report bribery attempts within 28 days

## Reporting Bribes and Corruption
Any person who reasonably believes a public official is engaging in corrupt conduct can submit a written complaint directly to the Special Prosecutor. Furthermore, if a public official is offered a bribe, or if a member of the public is asked for a bribe by an official, they must report the incident to the Special Prosecutor within 28 days.

## Penalties
Penalties depend on the level of the offence:
- Minor corrupt conduct (tried summarily): A fine up to $30,000, up to 1 year in prison, or both.
- Serious corrupt conduct, abuse of office, or fraud (tried on indictment): A fine up to $100,000, up to 3 years in prison, or both.
- Failing to report a bribe offer within 28 days: A fine up to $30,000, up to 1 year in prison, or both.
- Forfeiture: Courts can order illegal property located in Saint Kitts and Nevis to be forfeited to the State, or order payment of an equivalent value for property held abroad.

## When It Takes Effect
This law comes into force on a day chosen by the Minister of Legal Affairs through an Order published in the Official Gazette.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Who is considered a person in public life under this law?
How do I submit a corruption complaint to the Special Prosecutor?
What happens if a public official is offered a bribe?
What are the penalties for abuse of office or fraud on the government?
Can government property or bribe money be taken back by the court?

St. Kitts and Nevis Integrity in Public Life Act

Chapter 22.18 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2023-12-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law sets up strict ethics rules and financial reporting for public officials in Saint Kitts and Nevis. It creates an independent Integrity Commission to collect annual declarations of assets and investigate corruption, abuse of power, or conflicts of interest.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like requiring a football referee to publicly list all their bank accounts and personal ties before a big match. If someone suspects the referee has money riding on the game or is taking bribes, an independent board checks their records to keep the game fair. This law does the same for government officials so the public can trust that decisions are made for the country, not for private gain.

## Who It Affects
This law applies to high-level public leaders and decision-makers, including:
- Government Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, and Parliamentary Secretaries
- Permanent Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, and Heads of Government Departments
- Chairpersons and board members of statutory bodies or state-owned banks
- Senior public legal officers, the Commissioner of Police, the Superintendent of Prisons, and the Head of the Armed Forces
- Leaders and declared candidates of political parties

## Rules for Public Officials
Public officials subject to this law must:
- Sign and follow a strict Code of Conduct when taking office.
- File an annual declaration of their income, assets, liabilities, gifts, and private interests (including those of their spouse and dependent children).
- Avoid conflicts of interest and immediately report any attempts by others to bribe them.
- Put private business assets into a blind trust if they want to avoid direct management conflicts while in office.

## Powers of the Integrity Commission
The Integrity Commission has authority to:
- Review annual financial declarations and request additional documents or explanations.
- Summon officials and witnesses to testify under oath.
- Send investigators to search public premises or obtain court warrants to search private premises.
- Refer cases of unexplained wealth or criminal wrongdoing to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

## Penalties
Breaking this law carries serious penalties:
- Abuse of office: up to $30,000 fine or up to 5 years in prison.
- Misconduct or neglect of duty: up to $20,000 fine or up to 2 years in prison.
- Failing to file a financial declaration: up to $30,000 fine or up to 5 years in prison, plus possible forfeiture of undeclared assets to the State.
- Obstructing an investigation or giving false information: up to $15,000 fine or up to 2 years in prison.
- Leaking confidential financial declarations: up to $10,000 fine or up to 1 year in prison.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Who is required to file a financial declaration under this Act?
What information must public officials include in their annual declaration?
What is the role of the Integrity Commission?
What penalties can a public official face for abuse of office or corruption?
Can the Integrity Commission search private property during an investigation?

St. Kitts and Nevis Freedom of Information Act

No. 6 of 2018 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2023-12-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this law like giving members of the public a right to look at government homework. If you want to know how a government department spent money or made a specific decision, you can write to them and ask for the records. The department must search for the documents and share them with you, unless revealing them would cause harm to things like someone's private life or national security.

## What This Law Does
This Act gives everyone the right to access records and documents held by government departments, state-owned companies, and statutory bodies in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

It requires government bodies to publish information regularly and creates an independent Information Commissioner to oversee requests and handle complaints.

## How to Ask for Records
To get records from a public body, you must follow these rules:
- Send a request in writing with enough detail so an officer can find the record.
- If you cannot write due to a disability or illiteracy, you can make an oral request and an official must write it down for you.
- The government office must reply within 30 working days, though they can extend it to 40 working days for large requests.
- If your request is needed to protect someone's life or liberty, the office must reply within 7 days.
- You do not pay fees for personal records or requests made in the public interest.

## Reasons the Government Can Say No
A public body can refuse your request under specific exceptions set by the law, including:
- Unreasonably revealing someone's private personal information.
- Revealing trade secrets, commercial secrets, or confidential government legal advice.
- Disclosing Cabinet discussions, papers, or decisions that have not been published.
- Endangering national defense, security, or ongoing criminal investigations.

## Whistleblower Protections
If you expose government wrongdoing in good faith, you cannot be sued or punished at work. This protection applies when reporting:
- Misuse of public funds, corruption, or abuse of authority.
- Crimes, miscarriages of justice, or serious threats to public health and safety.

However, making a report maliciously or knowing it is false is a crime that carries a fine up to $5,000, up to 2 years in prison, or both.

## Penalties
It is a crime to deliberately block access to records, destroy documents without authority, or interfere with the Information Commissioner's work. Convicted persons face:
- A fine up to $5,000.
- Up to 2 years in prison, or both.

## When It Takes Effect
This law comes into force on a date chosen by the Minister responsible for justice and published in the Official Gazette.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

How do I request information from a government department?
How quickly does the government have to respond to my request?
Do I have to pay a fee to get government records?
What kind of information can the government refuse to give me?
What protections do whistleblowers get under this law?
What happens if a government official intentionally destroys records?

Consumer Protection Bill 2023

Economy · Draft · 2023-10-26

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law sets up clear rules to protect shoppers and consumers in Saint Kitts and Nevis when buying goods or paying for services. It creates a Consumer Protection Board to resolve disputes, an Appeals Tribunal for legal appeals, and enforces fair trading standards across all businesses.

## In Plain Terms
Imagine buying a brand-new appliance from a local store, but when you bring it home, it fails to work. Under this law, the seller cannot simply post a "no refunds" sign and refuse to help; you have a legal right to get it repaired, exchanged, or refunded. It works like a safety net ensuring that what you buy matches what was promised and is safe to use.

## Key Consumer Rights
Consumers are given explicit protections under this law:
- The right to examine goods before purchasing and select from open stock.
- The right to receive agreements and information in plain English using readable print (at least 12-point font).
- An automatic six-month warranty covering parts and labor if no written warranty is provided.
- Protection against hidden fees, meaning if two price tags are listed on an item, you pay the lower price.
- The right to cancel certain advance reservations or contracts within specified time limits.

## Rules for Businesses and Suppliers
Suppliers must follow strict standards when serving customers:
- Provide written receipts for purchases and detailed estimates before performing repair work.
- Never sell expired food items or products (violators face fines up to $15,000).
- Avoid deceptive tactics like misleading advertising, fake discounts, or pyramid schemes.
- Honor delivery dates agreed upon in sales contracts.

## How Complaints Are Handled
If a dispute arises with a business:
- You can file a formal complaint through the Consumer Affairs Department, which investigates the matter.
- The Consumer Protection Board can hold hearings and order sellers to fix defects, refund money, replace items, or pay fixed penalties.
- Either side can appeal the Board's decision on legal grounds to the Consumer Protection Appeals Tribunal within 14 days.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What can I do if I buy a product that turns out to be defective?
Is a store allowed to sell food after its expiration date?
What happens if an item has two different price tags on it?
Do I get a warranty if the seller does not give me one in writing?
How do I file a complaint against a business that cheated me?

Freedom of Conscience (Cannabis) Bill, 2023

Governance · Draft · 2023-06-08

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Imagine you hold religious or personal beliefs where using cannabis is a core part of your spiritual practice. Under this law, instead of risking legal trouble, adults can apply for an official licence from the Ministry responsible for faith-based affairs. This licence acts like a special permit that lets you grow a small number of plants at home and carry limited amounts in permitted public places for your personal belief-based use.

## What This Law Does
This bill creates a licensing system for adults (age 18 and older) who use cannabis for religious, spiritual, or freedom of conscience reasons.

With a licence, an adult can legally:
- Carry up to 56 grams of cannabis (or 15 grams of cannabis resin) in permitted public places.
- Smoke cannabis in designated public smoking areas.
- Cultivate up to 5 cannabis plants in a secured area inside their private residence.

## Places Where Cannabis Is Still Banned
Even if you have a licence, cannabis is strictly forbidden in several public locations, including:
- Schools, school buses, and educational institutions
- Hospitals and health centers
- Government and statutory corporation offices and vehicles
- Police stations, defence force camps, and prisons
- Community centers and churches (unless specifically permitted by law)

## Licence Types and Fees
- Regular Licence: Valid for 2 years and includes an official ID card with your photo. The application fee is $100.
- Temporary Licence: Valid for up to 7 days and can be issued on the day you apply. The application fee is $300.
- Fee Waiver: All licence application fees are suspended for the first 6 months after this law comes into force.

## Refusals and Revocations
Your licence application can be refused if you have been diagnosed with a mental illness, received treatment for substance abuse, or been convicted of drug, arms, or human trafficking.

A licence can be revoked if you expose minors or vulnerable people to cannabis, get convicted of a crime, receive 3 or more tickets for smoking outside designated areas, or lied on your application. If your licence is revoked, you cannot apply for a new one for 2 years.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Who can apply for a cannabis licence under this bill?
How much cannabis am I allowed to carry if I get a licence?
Where am I forbidden from bringing or using cannabis?
How many cannabis plants can I grow at home?
How much does a licence cost and how long is it good for?
For what reasons can a licence be denied or revoked?

Smoking (Designated Areas) Bill, 2023

Healthcare · Draft · 2023-05-22

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## In Plain Terms
Think of public places like a shared living room where everyone breathes the same air. This bill makes all public spaces smoke-free by default, but allows business owners and event organizers to set up a designated smoking corner if they get an official permit and put up clear warning signs.

## What This Law Does
This bill bans smoking and vaping in public places unless you are inside an officially licensed designated smoking area. Public places include:
- Bars, drinking places, restaurants, clubs, and hotels
- Schools, educational institutions, and hospitals
- Public buses, government offices, roads, and highways
- Commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties

## Rules for Businesses and Events
Business owners and event planners can apply to the Chief Medical Officer for a licence to create a designated smoking area.
- The application fee is $200 for a business or $100 for an event.
- Business licences last until December 31st and are renewable every two years.
- Owners must display clear warning signs at entrances and around smoking areas.
- Owners must prevent smoke from drifting into non-smoking areas and cannot allow minors into smoking zones.

## Penalties
If you smoke in a public place outside a designated area:
- You can be issued a fixed penalty ticket for $500, payable within 10 business days.
- If you do not pay, you may be required to perform up to 20 hours of community service.
- If you fail to perform community service, you face up to 5 days in prison.
- You are allowed to keep your smoking or vaping device.

For general rule violations or business owners breaking licence conditions, the fixed penalty is $1,000, with the same default options of community service or prison.

## Transition Period
Businesses that allowed smoking before this law comes into force are automatically treated as licensed until October 31, 2023. They must obtain an official licence to continue allowing smoking from November 1, 2023 onward.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

Can I smoke or vape in public under this bill?
How much is the fine if I get caught smoking outside a designated area?
How can a business owner get a permit for a designated smoking area?
What signs does a business have to put up if smoking is allowed?
What happens if someone doesn't pay a smoking ticket on time?

Rastafari Rights Recognition Bill, 2023

Governance · Draft · 2023-05-22

Approved — live

Source ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law creates an official registration process for Rastafari groups and their places of assembly with the government. It gives registered groups legal rights to grow and use cannabis for religious purposes at their meeting places and allows them to apply for tax and fee discounts.

## In Plain Terms
Think of this like registering a faith group or church with the government. Once registered, adult members get clear legal ground to practice their faith using cannabis at their regular meeting ground without fear of arrest, and the group can apply to Cabinet for tax discounts on things like imported goods or land.

## Cannabis Rules
Adult members (ages 18 and older) of a registered Rastafari group can grow, harvest, dry, trim, cure, and possess cannabis at their registered place of assembly as a sacrament for spiritual upliftment.

However, cannabis use and possession remain banned in sensitive locations, including:
- Schools, school buses, and educational institutions
- Hospitals and health centers
- Police stations, defense camps, and correctional facilities
- Community centers and government or statutory corporation offices and vehicles
- Other churches or religious establishments

## Tax and Land Benefits
Registered groups can apply to the Cabinet of Ministers for several concessions and waivers:
- Waivers on cannabis licence fees and business licence fees
- Reductions in business income tax and corporate income tax
- Import duty waivers on imported goods
- Property tax waivers
- Discounts when buying or leasing government (Crown) land

## Registration and Penalties
- Registration for groups and assembly places is free of charge, but groups must re-register every two years.
- Faking a group's Rastafari identity to get benefits without receiving them carries a fine up to $100,000 and up to 2 years in prison.
- Fraudulently claiming Rastafari status to get property or financial benefits carries a fine up to $250,000 and up to 5 years in prison, along with forfeiting the property or paying back the concession value.
- Breaking other rules under this law carries a general fine up to $30,000.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

How does a Rastafari group register with the government?
Where are adult Rastafari members allowed to grow and use cannabis?
Which public locations are strictly off-limits for cannabis use?
What tax discounts and land benefits can registered Rastafari groups apply for?
What are the penalties for pretending to be a Rastafari group to get government benefits?

Public Holidays Act

CAP. 23.23 · Governance · Passed into Law / Act · 2022-12-07

Approved — live

Source ↗Bill PDF ↗

Plain-language explanation (edit before approving)

Format: ## Section Title starts a new section, - item starts a bullet list. Always keep an ## In Plain Terms section with a relatable analogy or scenario.

## What This Law Does
This law sets out the official public holidays for Saint Kitts and Nevis. It requires banks, government offices, and shops that sell goods to stay closed on these official holidays.

It also protects financial transactions. If a payment, check, or official note is due on a public holiday, you are legally allowed to process or pay it on the next business day without penalty.

## In Plain Terms
Think of a public holiday as a mandatory pause button for formal business and government duties. If your bill or loan payment happens to fall on a public holiday, the law treats it as if it were due on the next working day, so nobody can penalize you for not paying on the holiday itself.

## Official Public Holidays
The law officially lists the following public holidays:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- The Sovereign's Birthday (as publicly announced)
- Labour Day (the first Monday in May)
- Whit Monday
- Emancipation Day (the first Monday in August)
- National Heroes Day (September 16)
- Independence Day (September 19)
- Boxing Day (December 26)
- Easter Monday

If New Year's Day, the Sovereign's Birthday, National Heroes Day, or Independence Day falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes the official public holiday instead.

## Businesses That Are Allowed to Open
Some essential businesses are allowed to open on public holidays:
- Pharmacies and drug stores, when necessary to prepare prescriptions and sell medicine
- Public markets and food or drink sellers, but only up until 9:00 AM
- Petrol stations selling gas, oil, or car accessories
- Garages performing emergency vehicle repairs
- Any specific type of store given special permission by an order from the Governor-General

## Changing or Adding Holidays
The Governor-General has the power to declare special public holidays for the entire country or for specific islands, towns, or villages. The Governor-General can also move a standard public holiday to a different date in a specific year if keeping the original date is impractical.

## Penalties
It is illegal to open a bank, store, shop, or public office on a public holiday without proper legal permission. Anyone who breaks this rule can be fined up to $500 upon conviction.

Suggested questions (for the public Q&A):

What happens if my bill payment is due on a public holiday?
Are gas stations and pharmacies allowed to open on public holidays?
Can markets sell food on a public holiday?
What happens if a public holiday falls on a Sunday?
What is the penalty for illegally opening a store on a public holiday?
Who has the legal authority to declare a new public holiday?