MPs are today expected to support new laws allowing Police to confiscate "hoodies" and disperse groups of people hanging out.

And Deputy United Bermuda Party Leader Trevor Moniz said he hopes the Criminal Code Amendment Act will be just the first of a succession of bills cracking down on anti-social behaviour plaguing the Island.

Attorney General Kim Wilson says the legislation — based on laws already in place in the UK — will "address the current criminal activities we as a community are facing".

It means Police can seize any clothes which conceal people's identity in public places, such as hooded tops and scarves, and send home teenagers under 17 who are in known "hang out" areas without their parents after 9 p.m.

Yesterday Mr. Moniz told The Royal Gazette: "Let's see how it goes, but it's a good start.

"I think people are thinking more seriously about doing their job and seeing what is a great danger to the community. For the longest time they were silent but, hey presto, we have something.

"We'll have to see how the Police exercise their judgment in administering these powers. But hopefully this is just the beginning and we will have more legislation on the way."

Energy Minister Michael Scott, who speaks on Justice in the House of Assembly, will give the act its second reading, along with the Jurors Amendment Act, which widens the pool of people from which a jury can be chosen.

Mr. Scott will also give a second reading to the Summary Offences Amendment Act, which makes it an offence to play loud music between midnight and 6 a.m.

Health Minister Walter Roban, who speaks on Home Affairs, will give a second reading to the Private Investigators and Security Guards Amendment Act, which will make unlicensed private detectives or security guards face fines of up to $2,000.

Mr. Moniz will lead the UBP's response on all the above debates, and indicated the official Opposition generally supports each piece of legislation.

Finance Minister Paula Cox will give a second reading to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda Amendment Act, which states that the institute is managed by a council of between five and 20 people.

And the Deputy Premier will also give a second reading to the Public Service Superannuation Amendment Act, which severs Bermuda Monetary Authority's ties with the Public Service Superannuation Fund.

BMA describes this as a further reinforcement of the Authority's position as Bermuda's independent financial regulator.

A spokeswoman said: "However, the Authority is still providing staff who were eligible to contribute to the PSSF and wish to continue doing so to have that option, thereby protecting the rights of those individuals."

The final matter on tomorrow's agenda is Premier Ewart Brown's motion that the House considers the Legislature Salaries Review Board, which is expected to generate debate on MPs' salaries (see separate story).