By Krystel Rolle, Guardian Staff Reporter, krystel@nasguard.com

Three Bills were introduced in the Senate yesterday, paving the way for Senators to begin debate in the upper chamber on Wednesday.

The bills include an Amendment to the Hotel Encouragement Act, the Local Government Act and the Supreme Court Act.

All bills were recently passed in the House of Assembly. An amendment of the Hotel Encouragement Act would allow Bahamians who are not operators of hotels - but own and operate businesses on resort properties - to access the same concessions that are available to both Bahamian and international owners and developers of hotels in The Bahamas. An amendment to the Local Government Act will make provision for the construction of woodenpiers or docks in the Family Islands, not exceeding 120 feet, which do not require excavation of the seabed.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Act, if passed, will amend section 68 of act to enable assistant registrars to function as masters of the court.

The Senate adjourned yesterday around 10:30 a.m., shortly after the first reading of the three mentioned bills.

Senators will begin debate today at 10 a.m.