Leave of absence was granted to Sen. the Hon. Franklin Khan, who is ill.

The President of the Senate informed of correspondence received from the Speaker of the House indicating the appointment of members from the House of Representatives to the Joint Select Committee on the Cannabis Control Bill, 2019.

The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2019 was brought from the House of Representatives. The Attorney General moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings. This motion was carried.

One paper was laid. See Supplemental Order Paper.

Two reports were presented.

Seven questions qualified for oral answer. All questions were answered. See Order Paper.

The Acting Leader of Government Business moved a motion that the SSC on the Evidence (Amendment) Bill, 2019 be granted an extension to February 29, 2020 in order for the Committee to complete its work and submit a final report. The motion was approved.
He moved a second motion that the JSC on the Constitution (Amendment) (Tobago Self-Government) Bill, 2018 be granted an extension to May 27, 2020 in order for the Committee to complete its work and submit a final report. This motion was also approved.

Mr. Augustus Thomas was appointed temporary Senator in place of Sen. the Hon. Franklin Khan. Mr. Thomas took the oath of allegiance.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved the second reading of The Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill, 2019, consequent to the Bill being passed in the House of Representatives on Monday December 16, 2019. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. No amendments were made. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

The Senate brought greetings to the nation on the celebration of Christmas. The Sitting concluded at 6:05 p.m. The Senate adjourned to a date to be fixed.