The senate began debate on the Independent Commission of Investigations and Protected Disclosures Bills on Monday.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Sen. Hon. Ryan Pinder led the debate. He told senators who the bills will affect when enacted. Pinder said, “the law applies to specified officials which includes Parliamentarians, senior public officers, heads and deputy heads of government corporations, general managers and deputy general managers of government corporations, chief and deputy chief magistrates, family island administrators and other elected local government officials, directors and board members of government entities and any other class of public officers or public persons appointed by public bodies.”

Senator Tyrel Young also contributed to the debate on Monday. He said, “the commission will have the authority to audit declarations and request further particulars further strengthening its oversight. Any official found to have deliberately misrepresented their financial status will be subject to investigation and possible prosecution.”

The pieces of legislation give the administrating body the power to summon and compel witnesses and call for the production of documents and other exhibits.