Changes to boost Bermuda’s tax credit regime and streamline legislation overseeing the Bermuda Health Council were given the nod by senators today.

Lauren Bell, the junior health minister, said that the Bermuda Health Council (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2026 removed “unnecessary duplication, clarifying application of the legislation framework to health service providers”.

“It will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens,” she added.

David Rogers, an opposition senator, said: “This is actually really good, the changes to the pharmacies, hospitals, clinical labs ... this has been outstanding for a number of years, so it is wonderful to see consistency, concisements being put into the act.”

The Health Insurance Amendment Act 2026 was also passed without objection.

Ms Bell said: “Kidney transfer costs around $387,000 inclusive of surgery and associate care.”

She told how the mutual reinsurance fund supplies only $150,000 for Bermudians who need kidney transplants, despite the operation often being safer for patients than dialysis treatments and saving money on long-term dialysis.

The amendment means that there will be flexibility to adjust the prescribed coverage amount through subordinate legislation, ensuring that coverage aligns with real-world costs.

Mr Rogers said: “So lightning must have struck twice, because this is a fantastic Bill as well and you have the support of the Opposition with this.

“When the initial funds were granted out of MRF ... what we didn’t foresee was the barriers placed in people’s way.

“I applaud the Government for recognising the difficulty people face.”

The Tax Credits Amendment Act 2026 was also passed without objection in the Upper House.

David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, said last Friday that the legislation was intended to improve the administration and filing of tax credits.

Douglas De Couto, the Shadow Minister of Finance, said then that the One Bermuda Alliance supported the changes, stating that the legislation allowed greater flexibility and efficiency while senator Ryan Robinson Perinchief told yesterday how it would provide incentives for industries to develop and grow the economy.

Mr Robinson Perinchief, the Government’s spokesman for finance in the Senate, said yesterday: “The Bermuda corporation tax framework upholds the global compliance ... and maintains the island’s respected reputation internationally.”

Mr Burt also presented the Corporate Income Tax Amendment Act 2026, which passed without objection.

He said the amendments made sure that the CIT Agency can effectively conduct the corporate tax regime.