Parliamentary Committees of the Senate

What Are Sessional Select Committees (SSSC)?

Sessional Select Committees are standing (permanent) committees of the Belize Senate appointed at the start of each parliamentary session. They allow Senators to focus on specific areas of legislative work and oversight in a more detailed manner than regular Senate sittings.

These committees are established under Standing Order 64 and play a vital role in reviewing, advising, and reporting on issues that support the effective functioning of the Senate.

How Senate Committees Work

Governed by Standing Orders 70, 72-75

Membership

Most committees consist of 4 Senators unless stated otherwise (SO 70).

Appointment

Members and vacancies are appointed by the President of the Senate (SO 70(1-2)).

Political Balance

Committees must reflect the political balance of the Senate (SO 70(1)).

Committee Chairperson

Committees elect their own Chairperson unless otherwise stated (SO 70(3)).

Schedule Restrictions

Committees cannot meet while the Senate is sitting (SO 72(10)).

Meeting Quorum

Committees and Senate proceedings require 3 Senators to conduct any business (SO 72(5)).

Private Sessions

Meetings are usually private and may include calling witnesses and requesting documents.

Presenting Reports

Reports are prepared and presented to the Senate before the Parliamentary session ends.

Findings & Opinions

Reports can include majority findings, minority opinions, or special reports (SO 75).

Types of Sessional Select Committees

1. Standing Orders Committee (SO 65)

Reviews the Senate’s Standing Orders (rules) and suggests updates.

2. House Committee (SO 66)

Advises on Senators’ pay, allowances, comfort, and staff employment.

3. Committee of Privileges (SO 67)

Advises on Senators’ pay, allowances, comfort, and staff employment.

4. Regulations Committee (SO 68)

The Regulations Committee reviews all regulations presented to the Senate to ensure they follow proper legal and procedural rules. It highlights issues such as late submission, unclear wording, unusual use of authority, retroactive application, or regulations involving public money and fees. The Committee does not judge the merits or policy of the regulations—only whether they meet required standards.

5. Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee (SO 68A)

The Constitution and Foreign Affairs Committee, also known as the (Committee of the Whole Senate) is made up of all Senators, with the President of the Senate serving as Chair. Its role is to review important national matters such as:

Proposed changes to key parts of the Constitution.
Whether Belize should ratify treaties, including any settlement of the territorial dispute with Guatemala.
Decisions on establishing new foreign military bases in Belize.
Approval of high-level appointments like Ambassadors, the Chief Justice, Justices of the Courts, the Contractor General, and the Ombudsman.

Decisions of the Committee are made through a resolution supported by a majority of Senators.

6. Women's Parliamentarian Caucus Standing Committee (SO 68B)

Considers matters affecting women’s rights, gender equality, and related issues.

Other Committees

Special Select Committees (SO 69)
Formed for specific tasks or investigations. Membership and terms are set by the Senate.
Joint Select Committees (SO 71)
Include members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives to address shared issues.

Learn More

If you wish to understand more about Senate Sessional Select committees and want more in detailed information, visit our website to see the Standing Orders of the Senate.

Standing Orders of the Senate

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via

clerkna@bna.gov.bz or call (+501) 822-2141