By Kebba A.F. Touray
The National Assembly has referred the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Bill, 2026, to the Assembly Business Committee (ABC) for further consideration, following its presentation for a second reading by Majority Leader Billay G. Tunkara.
The bill seeks to revise the legal framework governing the powers, privileges and immunities of National Assembly members, committees and officers, while setting out rules for the conduct of parliamentary business.
Hon. Tunkara, who represents Kantora, presented the bill on Monday, 19 October 2026, pursuant to Standing Order 67. It was first read on Monday, 12 October, and scheduled for a second reading in accordance with Standing Order 66(2).
Presenting the bill to lawmakers, Hon. Tunkara said its main purpose was to update the laws governing the legislature and those who serve within it.
“The object of this bill is to revise the constitutional laws relating to powers and privileges and the immunities of the National Assembly Members, committees and officers,” he told the Assembly.
He said the proposed legislation would establish a “modern framework for the orderly conduct of parliamentary business and protection of parliamentary proceedings”.
The bill covers several areas of parliamentary work, including the regulation of proceedings, privileges and immunities, and access to the precincts of the National Assembly. It also provides for the attendance and examination of witnesses before the Assembly or its committees.
Under the proposed law, provisions would be made to define contempt of the National Assembly, establish offences and penalties, protect parliamentary records and authorise their publication.
The bill also addresses the preservation of existing standards and orders, transitional arrangements and the repeal of the existing National Assembly Powers Act.
Seconding the motion, the Member for Upper Fulladou West, Hon. Balkary Kora, commended the Majority Leader for introducing the bill, describing it as an important piece of legislation. Hon. Kora highlighted its provisions on the protection of parliamentary records and the orderly conduct of parliamentary business.
Following the debate on the motion, lawmakers agreed to refer the bill to the Assembly Business Committee for further action. The ABC is expected to determine whether the bill should be referred to a relevant committee or to joint committees of the legislature for detailed scrutiny.
The committee or committees assigned to examine the bill are expected to review its provisions, consult relevant stakeholders and prepare a report on their findings. The report will then be presented to the plenary of the National Assembly for further consideration and possible adoption. The bill will therefore undergo further scrutiny before lawmakers make a final decision on its provisions.
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