Minutes: 28 October 2025

1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take items 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in private.

2. Instruments subject to affirmative procedure:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/Draft)

3. Instruments subject to negative procedure:

The Committee agreed to bring to the attention of the Parliament the following—

National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/280)

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Qualifications Scotland (Appointment of Initial Members) Regulations 2025 (SSI 2025/278)

4. Instruments/documents laid for consultation:

The Committee agreed that no points arose on the following—

Proposed Draft Order: Public Services Reform (Scottish Water) Order 2026 (SG/2025/238)

5. Evidence session with the Minister for Parliamentary Business:

The Committee took evidence from—

Graeme Dey, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, Steven MacGregor,Head of Parliament and Legislation Unit, Claire Trail,SSI and UK Legislation Team Leader and Douglas Kerr,Deputy Legislation Co-ordinator, Scottish Government Legal Department, Scottish Government .

6. Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

7. Contract (Formation and Remedies) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee.

8. Digital Assets (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Economy and Fair Work Committee.

9. Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to write to the Scottish Government.

10. Prostitution (Offences and Support) (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the Scottish Government's response to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Criminal Justice Committee.

11. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the Legislative Consent Memorandum and powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence in the Bill. It agreed to write to the Scottish Government and the UK Government.

12. Pension Schemes Bill (UK Parliament legislation) (in private):

The Committee considered the Legislative Consent Memorandum and powers to make subordinate legislation within devolved competence in the Bill. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.

13. Contracts (Formation and Remedies) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered its approach to the scrutiny of the Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to delegate to the Convener the initial responsibility for agreeing witnesses ahead of the oral evidence sessions.

14. Evidence Session (in private):

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 5 and agreed to follow up in writing with the Minister.

15. Freedom of Information Reform (Scotland) Bill (in private):

The Committee considered the Member-in-charge's response to points raised on the delegated powers provisions in this Bill at Stage 1. It agreed to report to the lead committee on the Bill, the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.