Glossary

A

The postponement of proceedings of the House or Senate to a future date. Adjournments occur at the end of each sitting day and reconvene on the next scheduled meeting day (Friday for the House; Tuesday for the Senate), unless the House or Senate otherwise decides upon motion. (House SO 13; Senate SO 11)

A procedure allowing Members to request the postponement of ordinary business to debate a specific matter that is urgent, definite, and of public importance. In the House, the debate is limited to 1 hour (3:00 p.m. deadline); in the Senate, it extends the ordinary sitting hours by an equivalent period. (House SO 14; Senate SO 12)

A proposed modification to a motion, Bill, or other matter under consideration. Amendments must be relevant to the subject matter and are proposed, debated, and voted upon before the original question is put. (House SO 34; Senate SO 32)

A further modification proposed to an existing amendment. Such amendments are disposed of in the same manner as amendments to motions. (House SO 34(5); Senate SO 32(5))

Official communications made by the Chair at the commencement of business, forming part of the Order of Business. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

A Bill containing the estimated financial requirements for expenditure on all government services for the current or succeeding financial year. The Estimates are presented simultaneously with the Bill. (House SO 64)

The formal approval by the Governor General required for a Bill to become law. Bills passed by both chambers are submitted to the Governor General for assent. (House SO 61; Senate SO 59)

B

A proposed law submitted to the House or Senate for consideration, debate, and passage. Bills proceed through multiple stages: Introduction and First Reading, Second Reading, Committal to Committee, Committee consideration, Third Reading, and passage through both chambers before receiving the Governor General’s assent.

A Bill not being a Government measure, intended to affect or benefit a particular person, association, or corporate body. Private Bills must follow special procedures including public notice, petitions, and consideration by a Special Select Committee. (House SO 83; Senate SO 76)

Bills originating in one chamber and transmitted to the other for consideration. Such Bills are recorded as read a first time and stand committed to a Standing Committee. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

C

The executive body composed of Ministers. Recommendation or consent of the Cabinet (signified by a Minister) is required for the passage of Bills or motions involving public money. (House SO 24; Senate SO 22)

The presiding officer of a Committee of the whole House/Senate or Select Committee. In a Committee of the whole, the Chairman is the Speaker or President respectively, unless otherwise provided. (House SO 5; Senate SO 5)

A procedural motion (“That the question be now put”) allowing any Member to bring debate to an end. The motion must be carried and requires a minimum threshold of supporting votes. In the House, at least 10 Members must vote in favor; in the Senate, at least 3 Members. (House SO 41; Senate SO 39)

The initial method of determining the result of a question by the Chair declaring “I think the Ayes have it” or “I think the Noes have it.” This determination may be challenged by any Member claiming a division. (House SO 46; Senate SO 46)

A committee consisting of at least six members, chosen by the Speaker (House) or President (Senate), responsible for nominating members to Standing Committees to ensure party balance is reflected. (House SO 73; Senate SO 70)

A committee of the whole House/Senate established for the specific purpose of considering the Appropriation Bill and Estimates. Deliberations are not held in public. The Minister responsible for finance serves as Chairman. (House SO 65)

The entire membership of the House or Senate constituted as a committee for detailed consideration of Bills or financial matters. The Speaker/President leaves the Chair, and a Chairman presides. (House SO 5; Senate SO 5)

The referral of a Bill, after its second reading, to either a Committee of the whole House/Senate or to a Select Committee for detailed consideration. (House SO 52; Senate SO 52)

The general rules governing the submission of questions to Ministers, requiring that questions seek information or official action, be concise, relevant, and not contain offensive language or arguments. (House SO 20; Senate SO 18)

D

The designated sitting days for each chamber: the House meets on Fridays; the Senate meets on Tuesdays, unless otherwise decided by motion. Three recess periods of six weeks each are observed annually. (House SO 11; Senate SO 9)

An elected Member of the House, not being a Minister, who presides in the absence of the Speaker and possesses all the Speaker’s authority and powers. (House SO 4)

The removal of the notice requirement for a motion with the consent of the Speaker/President and the assent of three-fourths of Members present in the House, or the majority of Senators in the Senate. (House SO 28; Senate SO 26)

A formal method of voting in which the Clerk calls each Member’s or Senator’s name separately, and they indicate their vote for the Ayes or Noes. The Clerk records all votes and declares members who declined to vote. (House SO 47; Senate SO 47)

Official records, reports, or instruments laid before the House or Senate by a Minister. All Papers are ordered to lie upon the Table without question put. (House SO 17; Senate SO 15)

E

A provision allowing the Speaker (House) or President (Senate) to grant leave for the House or Senate to meet virtually when necessary for reasons of public health, public safety, national security, or public emergency, provided members can be seen and heard. (House SO 14A; Senate SO 12A)

The formal procedure at the first meeting after a general election, or upon a vacancy, whereby the Clerk calls upon the House or Senate to elect a Speaker or President. Candidates must be willing to serve and may be Members or non-Members of the Legislature. (House SO 3; Senate SO 3)

Following the election of the Speaker or President, the House or Senate proceeds to elect a Deputy Speaker or Vice-President, who must be a Member and not a Minister. (House SO 4; Senate SO 4)

The formal opening of a Bill stating that the Bill is enacted by the National Assembly. No question is put upon the enacting formula. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

Detailed financial schedules showing projected expenditure by government department and service, presented alongside the Appropriation Bill for consideration by the Committee of Supply. (House SO 64; Senate SO 63)

F

A Standing Committee of the House responsible for taxation, fiscal matters, banking, currency, insurance, customs, public debt, and economic development. (House SO 74)

The initial stage of a Bill’s passage, in which the title is read aloud and recorded in the Minutes without question put. The Bill is then ordered to be printed and circulated. (House SO 48; Senate SO 48)

The powers granted to committees considering Bills after second reading, permitting them to discuss only details (not general merits), make amendments, amend titles if necessary, and add or strike clauses, provided amendments remain within the Bill’s scope. (House SO 53; Senate SO 53)

G

The inherent power of the Speaker or President to regulate the conduct of business in matters not specifically provided for in Standing Orders. Decisions made under this authority are not open to challenge. (House SO 91; Senate SO 84)

The representative of the Crown whose assent is required for Bills to become law. (House SO 61; Senate SO 59)

H

A major category of government spending considered during Committee of Supply proceedings, composed of sub-heads and items, which are examined and voted upon individually. (House SO 67; Senate SO not specifically detailed)

The designated times during which each chamber conducts business. The House sits from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (with noon suspension); the Senate sits from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (with noon suspension). Business is interrupted at 5:50 p.m. (House) and 4:20 p.m. (Senate). (House SO 12; Senate SO 10)

I

The commencement of a Bill’s legislative journey, involving submission to the Clerk, reading of the title aloud, recording in the Minutes, and printing and circulation to Members. (House SO 48; Senate SO 48)

The cessation of proceedings at the designated time (5:50 p.m. in the House; 4:20 p.m. in the Senate), with the exception of divisions and closure motions in progress. Business resumes on the next sitting or designated date. (House SO 12; Senate SO 10)

J

A Standing Committee composed of six House members (via Committee of Selection) and three Senate members appointed by the President of the Senate, responsible for examining government accounts and the Auditor General’s reports. (House SO 73A; Senate SO 64)

A committee appointed jointly by both chambers, consisting of members from each, for the purpose of investigating matters of common concern. (House SO 78; Senate SO 71)

L

The official language of proceedings in the House and Senate is English. All petitions must also be submitted in English. (House SO 9; Senate SO 7)

The Minister or Senator responsible for arranging and presenting Government Business. Agreements with the Leader of the Opposition are announced by the Speaker/President. (House SO 92; Senate SO 21)

M

The symbol of the dignity and authority of the House, entrusted to the Speaker. The Mace lies upon the Table during all sittings and is removed and placed under the Table when the House is in Committee. (House SO 6)

A matter concerning the powers or privileges of the House or Senate that may be raised by a Member/Senator and must be declared by the Speaker/President before debate proceeds. Privilege motions take precedence over all other public business. (House SO 29; Senate SO 27)

The official record of the House or Senate, kept by the Clerk, recording attendance, decisions, division results, and names of members voting. Minutes are circulated to Members as soon as practicable and signed by the Speaker/President. (House SO 7; Senate SO 6)

A Bill within the meaning of section 78 of the Belize Constitution Act, 1981, as amended. Upon second reading, a Money Bill may proceed to third reading without committal to committee if the Senate decides by motion. (Senate SO 63)

A formal proposal brought before the House or Senate for consideration and decision. Motions require notice (except in certain circumstances), must be seconded (except Government motions), and are
debated before being put to the vote. (House SO 25-36; Senate SO 23-34)

Motions submitted by Ministers concerning the arrangement and scheduling of House or Senate business, forming part of the Order of Business. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

N

A proposed addition to a Bill considered after all existing clauses have been disposed of, treated similarly to other clauses and subject to amendment. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

A proposed addition to a Bill’s schedules, considered after existing schedules and treated in the same manner as a new clause. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

A formal written notification to the Clerk, signed by a Member/Senator, indicating the intention to move a motion on a future date. Notice requirements and periods vary according to the type of motion. (House SO 25-26; Senate SO 23-24)

A written notification to the Clerk, signed by a Member/Senator, indicating the intention to ask a question. Questions requiring oral answers must include an asterisk and must be submitted at least five clear days in advance. (House SO 19; Senate SO 17)

O

The oath or affirmation administered to Members/Senators at the first meeting after a general election (first to the Speaker/President, then to other Members) and to new Members upon their election. The form is prescribed in Schedule 3 of the Belize Constitution Act, 1981. (House SO 2; Senate SO 2)

A Standing Committee of the House responsible for considering reports by the Ombudsman under the Ombudsman Act and related matters. (House SO 72, 74(13))

A record maintained by the Clerk showing all business appointed for future days and all Notices of Questions or Motions set down for future sittings. The Order Book is open to inspection by Members at all reasonable hours. (House SO 7; Senate SO 6)

The sequence in which business is transacted at each sitting, beginning with Prayers and concluding with Public Business. The order may be altered by the House/Senate unless otherwise directed. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

A document prepared and circulated by the Clerk to each Member/Senator for every sitting, setting out the business to be transacted at that sitting. (House SO 7; Senate SO 6)

P

See Documents/Papers.

An introductory section sometimes included in a Bill to state its purpose. The preamble is considered and approved separately at the conclusion of Committee proceedings on a Bill. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

The Speaker (House) or President (Senate), or in their absence, the Deputy Speaker/Vice-President or a Member/Senator elected to preside temporarily. (House SO 5; Senate SO 5)

Formal written requests addressed to the House or Senate, concluding with a prayer setting forth the general object, signed by at least one person, and endorsed by the Clerk before presentation. (House SO 16; Senate SO 14)

A statement of not more than ten minutes duration, made by a Member/Senator with the leave of the Speaker/President and by the indulgence of the House/Senate, to clarify a matter without introducing controversy or debate. (House SO 22; Senate SO 20)

The opening proceeding of each sitting, forming the first item of business. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

The role of the Speaker or, in their absence, the Deputy Speaker or an elected Member, to maintain order and regulate proceedings. (House SO 5; Senate SO 5)

The elected presiding officer of the Senate, responsible for managing the Chamber and maintaining order. In the President’s absence, the Vice-President assumes these duties. (Senate SO 3, 5, 85)

Motions directly concerning the powers or privileges of the House or Senate, which take precedence over all other public business and may be raised by Members/Senators who notify the Speaker/President in advance. (House SO 29; Senate SO 27)

The detailed process for examining Bills in committee, involving consideration of each clause, amendments, new clauses, schedules, the preamble, and the title. Questions on clauses are put without debate unless amendments are proposed. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

The process followed by Select Committees when considering Bills, applying relevant Standing Orders on divisions and decision-making, and proceeding through the Bill as in a Committee of the whole. (House SO 55; Senate SO 55)

Bills of general application affecting the whole nation or significant portions thereof, as opposed to Private Bills affecting particular persons or bodies. (House SO 23; Senate SO 21)

The general classification of non-government business on the Order of Business, including motions and Bills submitted by Members/Senators who do not support the Government. (House SO 15, 23; Senate SO 13, 21)

Government revenue and funds. No Bill or motion involving taxation, charges on public revenue, or remission of debt may proceed without Cabinet recommendation or consent, signified by a Minister. (House SO 24; Senate SO 22)

Q

An inquiry submitted by a Member/Senator to a Minister regarding matters within the Minister’s official responsibility, seeking information or requesting official action. Questions are subject to strict rules regarding content and form. (House SO 18-21; Senate SO 16-19)

The minimum number of Members/Senators required to be present for the House or Senate to conduct business. The quorum is seven Members (excluding the presiding officer) for the House and three Senators for the Senate. (House SO 10; Senate SO 8)

R

The referral of a Bill back to Committee of the whole House/Senate or Select Committee after it has been reported, to reconsider, delete, or amend specific provisions, or introduce new clauses. (House SO 57; Senate SO 57)

A motion moved without notice for recommittal, which is decided without amendment or debate. If carried, the Bill returns to committee for specified reconsideration. (House SO 57; Senate SO 57)

The formal document submitted by a Select Committee to the House or Senate upon conclusion of its investigation, containing the Committee’s findings, recommendations, and any minority reports. Reports are presented by the Chairman or other deputed Member, laid on the Table, and printed. (House SO 81; Senate SO 75)

A motion made during Committee proceedings to adjourn temporarily and report progress to the House/Senate, allowing resumption of Committee work on a later date. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

The stage at which a Bill is formally reported back to the House or Senate after Committee consideration. The Chairman leaves the Chair, the House/Senate resumes, and the Member/Senator in charge reports the Bill. (House SO 56; Senate SO 56)

The procedural right of a motion’s mover to speak after all other Members/Senators have addressed the House/Senate and before the question is put. A Minister may also conclude debate on a motion critical of the Government. (House SO 36; Senate SO 34)

Every Member/Senator present at a division, unless expressly declining to vote, must record their vote for either the Ayes or Noes. Members who decline to vote are separately recorded. (House SO 47; Senate SO 47)

S

A section of a Bill containing detailed provisions or lists, considered and voted upon in the same manner as clauses during Committee proceedings. (House SO 54; Senate SO 54)

The limits within which debate must remain, determined by the nature of the question under consideration. Debate on amendments is limited to the words proposed to be left out and those proposed to be added or inserted. (House SO 39; Senate SO 37)

The stage of a Bill’s passage in which its general merits and principles are debated. Amendments may be proposed to defer consideration or to state the grounds for opposition. (House SO 51; Senate SO 51)

The support of a motion or amendment by a second Member/Senator, required in the House and Senate for non-Government business, but not required in Committee. (House SO 31; Senate SO 29)

A committee appointed by the House or Senate, either as a Standing Committee or a Special Select Committee, to investigate and report on matters referred to it. (House SO 72-81; Senate SO 64-75)

The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly of Belize. (Senate SO 1)

The officer of the House responsible for maintaining order during sittings, executing orders, and managing Police Orderlies. Attends the Speaker with the Mace. (House SO 8)

A period of parliamentary business, typically extending from one adjournment period to the next. All Select Committees must make a report before the end of the Session. (House SO 81; Senate SO 75)

An individual meeting of the House or Senate, during which business is transacted according to the Order of Business and Standing Orders. (House SO 12; Senate SO 10)

A Select Committee appointed for a specific purpose, other than Standing Committees, by order of the House or Senate. (House SO 76; Senate SO 69)

The elected presiding officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for maintaining order and regulating the conduct of business. The Speaker may be a Member or non-Member of the Legislature. (House SO 3)

Official announcements made by Ministers during each sitting, forming part of the Order of Business following questions. (House SO 15; Senate SO 13)

A permanent select committee established at the commencement of each Session to examine Bills and other matters referred to it within its assigned subject areas. Standing Committees are appointed for the duration of the National Assembly unless the House/Senate otherwise orders. (House SO 72-75; Senate SO 64-68)

The formal rules governing the procedures and conduct of the House of Representatives or Senate. (House SO 1; Senate SO 1)

Members of the public attending sittings of the House or Senate, who must observe silence and conduct themselves properly. The Speaker/President may order their withdrawal. (House SO 87; Senate SO 80)

A motion brought on notice, raising a matter of substance for decision by the House or Senate, as opposed to procedural or formal motions. (House SO 29; Senate SO 27)

A Paper setting out proposals for additional expenditure or expenditure for which no previous provision was made in the current Appropriation Act, referred to the Committee of Supply for consideration. (House SO 70)

A Bill appropriating sums for expenditure already approved by the Committee of Supply and the House, with debate strictly confined to the matter requiring additional expenditure. (House SO 71)

The temporary waiver or cancellation of one or more Standing Orders, requiring a motion with three-fourths majority in the House or a majority in the Senate, decided without amendment or debate. (House SO 90; Senate SO 83)

A disciplinary action removing a Member/Senator from the House or Senate for disregarding the Chair’s authority or obstruction of business. Suspension continues until terminated by resolution or the end of the Session. (House SO 44; Senate SO 44)

T

The formal placement of documents, reports, Bills, or other papers on the Table of the House or Senate to make them part of the parliamentary record and available for inspection. (House SO 7; Senate SO 6)

The final stage of a Bill’s passage, in which no amendments may be proposed and the question is put without debate. Upon passage, the Bill is transmitted to the other chamber or, if agreed by both, to the Governor General for assent. (House SO 59; Senate SO 59)

The formal name of a Bill, which must accurately reflect its provisions. Titles may be amended if amendments to the Bill require such changes. No question is put on the enacting formula or an unamended title. (House SO 50; Senate SO 50)

U

Business called during designated times at which it may be disposed of without interruption if no Member/Senator objects. If objected to or if a division is sought, the business is treated as opposed and postponed. (House SO 12; Senate SO 10)

V

An elected Senator, not being a Minister, who presides in the absence of the President and possesses all the President’s authority and powers. (Senate SO 4)

The formal indication by a Member/Senator of their position (Ayes or Noes) on a question. Votes are collected by voice or by division. (House SO 45-47; Senate SO 45-47)

W

The removal of a Bill from the Order Paper by leave of the House/Senate or Committee, either before the commencement of Public Business or when the Bill’s stage is reached, before the question is fully put, with no dissentient voice. (House SO 62; Senate SO 61)

The removal of a motion by its mover after it has been moved, by leave of the House/Senate or Committee, before the question is fully put, with no dissentient voice. A withdrawn motion may not be moved again during the same Session. (House SO 33; Senate SO 31)

The removal of members of the public from the Chamber and its precincts, ordered by the Speaker/President or upon motion by a Member/Senator without debate or amendment. (House SO 87; Senate SO 80)

General Notes

  • SO = Standing Order
  • House SO = House of Representatives Standing Orders, 1966
  • Senate SO = Senate Standing Orders, 1967
  • All references reflect the Standing Orders as currently in effect, including amendments up to S.I. No. 72 of 2023 (Senate) and S.I. No. 71 of 2023 (House).