the House of Assembly yesterday.

The Public Holidays Amendment Act was introduced by Premier Jennifer Smith in the hopes that the Island's traditional two-day break in July and August be renamed to recognise the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834.

The Act also proposes that the description of the Queen's birthday be changed on calendars from "the third Monday in June'' to "the Monday following the second Saturday in June''.

BILL WOULD ALLOW VIDEO COURT MENTIONS HOA Bill would allow video court mentions Parliament has been presented with a bill proposing that prisoners be allowed to attend preliminary proceedings in court via video teleconferencing.

The Indictable Offences Amendment Act was just one of several pieces of legislation to be tabled during yesterday's first session of Parliament.

Another bill, The Payroll Tax Amendment Bill will, if passed, ensure that members of the Legislature are obliged to pay such taxes as employees of the Bermuda Government.

And the Census Regulations for 1999 deals with organisation for next year's Island wide census.

Documentation stated that census officers would be able to ask any resident over the age of 16 particulars about themselves, including their birthplace, their highest level of schooling and their income range.

Also, The Marine Board Amendment Act proposes the inclusion of floating docks and mooring piles within the definition of mooring in the Marine Board Act of 1962.