Legislation designed to make it cheaper for property owners to register their title without a lawyer was passed in the Senate yesterday.

Vance Campbell, a Progressive Labour Party senator, said the Land Title Registration Amendment Act would “smooth the transition to registering title to land and open the door to allow the public to register their property voluntarily”.

Justin Mathias, an OBA senator, said he viewed the legislation as a “general housekeeping Bill”.

Mr Mathias added: “We applaud the Government for finally getting this piece of legislation done and getting the ball rolling.”

He said it was important because of the “emotive” nature of the issue that the Government “tread lightly”.

Mr Mathias added: “We need to comfort people and make them understand that this is the best way to move forward.”

The Family Mediation Act and the Care and Protection of Animals Amendment Act were also passed without objection in the Upper Chamber.

The Family Mediation Act expands the powers of the Co-Parenting Mediation Council to help resolve a range of family law matters.

It also changes the name of the council to the Family Mediation Council and makes it responsible for regulating mediators.

Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General, said the stand-alone piece of legislation was the result of policy development.

Ms Simmons added it would “provide support and protection for our children, while empowering families in Bermuda”.

She said the new approach to resolving family matters “should be welcomed by all, as it is a vitally important direction the country must move towards”.

Nandi Outerbridge, a One Bermuda Alliance senator, said her party welcomed the “well-thought-out” legislation.

Independent senator James Jardine called the legislation “very well put together”.

The Care and Protection of Animals Act provides greater protections to animals from cruelty by their owners.

Crystal Caesar said amendments were “brief but significant”.

Ms Caesar added: “Currently, under the principal Act, there exists no authority of the officers to immediately protect the animal should cruelty be found.

“This Bill does precisely that.”

Robyn Swan, an OBA senator, said that her party understood the need for the Bill.

Ms Swan added: “It is our hope that this Act will assist in the protection of animals and prevention of cruelty.

“We look forward to future developments.”