The Senate will debate fire safety legislation today.

All premises, except for private homes and common areas of multiple unit dwellings, must obtain a fire certificate from the Chief Fire Officer under the proposed legislation, which will be presented for its second reading.

Premises described by the Bill include those that shelter animals, are accessed by members of the public and for storage, education, victualling, churches, entertainment, as well as workplaces and commercial premises, correctional facilities, medical institutions and lodgings.

The new rules are called the National Fire Protection Association standards and codes of practice, and those who fail to abide by them could face penalties in the courts.

While the old code will continue to apply where applications for a fire certificate were received before this new legislation comes into effect, existing premises may be surveyed for fire risk under the new Act if it is passed. This can apply, for example, where a building has been unoccupied for 30 days or more, where there is no valid fire certificate, and if there is a change to the conditions imposed to a fire certificate.

Senators will also be considering The Government Fees Amendment Regulations and The Charities (Anti-Money Laundering. Anti-Terrorist Financing and Reporting) Regulations.

When the charities legislation was being debated in the House of Assembly, Sylvan Richards, the Junior Minister for Home Affairs, told Parliament that the measures would reduce the risk of criminal activity and bring Bermuda in line with international standards.

He said at the time: “The regulations seek to honour our commitment to ensure that registered charities adhere to the highest standards of governance, particularly in relation to the prevention of them being abused for the purposes of money laundering, the financing of terrorism and other illegal activities.”

Mr Richards added that the regulations were drafted in consultation with the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and with the Centre on Philanthropy.

He said: “The regulations will bring Bermuda’s charitable sector into compliance with the international standards on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

“This is of great importance, as charitable organisations enjoy public trust, have access to considerable sources of funds, both public and private, and have a global presence that provides a framework for national and international operations and financial transactions.”

If measures were not put in place, charities could be “vulnerable to abuse or susceptible to illegal activities engaged by others” the Minister had stated.

The regulations will require charities to establish anti-money laundering and antiterrorism financing systems and controls, and to provide information about these in their annual reports.

Charities will also need to appoint a compliance officer.