LEGISLATION covering dangerous dogs and maritime safety, the future of Havre des Pas Lido and the possible suspension of a States Member are among the items listed for a potentially lively meeting of the States Assembly this week.
Politicians are set to debate a proposition from the Constables Committee that will see changes to the Island’s Dogs Law, introducing a new registration scheme for “dangerous dogs” – defined as breeds of dog that may fit the characteristics and measurements of an XL Bully.
Ownership of such dogs will be regulated, recorded, and subject to conditions, with new restrictions on dangerous dogs, including requirements for insurance, control in public spaces and neutering – these measures are designed to reduce the risks posed to the public and to animal welfare.
Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel is seeking to change the Harbours (Inshore Safety) Law in order to create new offences for the dangerous and careless operation of a vessel at sea, as well as aggravated offences when drugs or alcohol are involved.
The debate was due to take place in October before being delayed following feedback from the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel over the respective enforcement roles of Ports of Jersey and States of Jersey Police, notably the carrying out of breathalyser tests.
Following changes to the Island’s electoral system ahead of the election next year, Constable Simon Crowcroft is calling for observers from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Authority to be invited to oversee the poll next June.
Mr Crowcroft’s proposition is a challenge to the Privileges and Procedures Committee, with committee chair Deputy Steve Ahier having previously signalled that it was not the intention to issue an invitation.
Following controversy over the tender process for the future management of Havre des Pas Lido, Members will debate a proposition from Deputy David Warr seeking to reverse the decision over the appointment of First Point Lido and appoint the organisation Love Our Lido in its place.
The first item of public business will see a debate over whether Deputy Philip Ozouf should be suspended, with pay, until the resolution of legal proceedings against him.
The St Saviour representative pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of the immigration act last month and is due to be sentenced in 2026. The debate will be heard in private, in line with Assembly rules, unless Members elect to suspend standing orders.
Ahead of the debate around his future, Deputy Ozouf is scheduled to pose two of the 15 oral questions on the order paper, asking ministers about the Budget and the state of the housing market.
The sitting, due to start at 9.30am tomorrow, will also feature questions without notice posed to Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel, Treasury Minister Elaine Millar and Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham.
