a bid to end Bermuda's housing crisis.

The Housing Allowance Order was one of a string of proposed laws tabled on the first day of Parliament's new term.

It sets out that Government will pay between 85 and 90 percent of rents for successful tenants claiming "affordable housing''.

But tenants paying less than 15 to 25 percent of their monthly income towards rent will not qualify for help.

The document, likely to be supported by both sides of the House, states that housing will already be considered "affordable'' if rents are between 15 and 25 percent of income levels.

Under the proposals, Government will pay up to a maximum monthly rent of $750 for studios, $890 for one-bedroom properties, $1,310 for two-bedroom homes and $1,600 for three-bedroom apartments.

And only tenants who prove they are on low incomes will qualify for the rent subsidies.

People living on their own will be allowed a monthly wage of $2,170.

Two people can claim a combined monthly income of $2,670 and still receive help.

And a family of four with a total income less than $3,580 will also qualify for housing benefit. The proposals are likely to be discussed next week -- months after a 12 percent hike in Government rents from $1,053 to $1,179 a month.

Premier Pamela Gordon announced in March that Government would work out a formula requiring poorer tenants only to pay around a quarter of their rents.

Former Housing Minister C.V. (Jim Woolridge) had already dismissed calls for his resignation despite a series of demonstrations by angry tenants.

He also said a special Cabinet committee had been set up to propose new initiatives.

Other laws tabled in Parliament on Friday were: The Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act, which would exempt day nurseries and nursery schools from paying land tax. Under the proposals, the schools would not need to be registered on the draft valuation list.

The Water Resources Amendment Act, which would increase fines for certain environmental offences. It also allows for the responsibilities of the Water Authority to be wound down.

The Wills Amendment Act, which would ensure that divorces have an automatic effect on wills already made, denying certain claims from divorced husbands and wives.