1. Decision on taking business in private:

The Committee agreed to take item 3 in private.

2. Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill:

The Committee took evidence on the Bill at Stage 1 from—

Hannah Stevens, Chief Executive Officer, Elect Her;

Ahlam Hamoud Al-Bashiri, Peer Education Co-ordinator, Scottish Refugee Council;

Alice Kinghorn-Gray, Campaigns Officer, Electoral Reform Society;

James Adams, Director, RNIB Scotland;

Kay Sillars, Regional Manager, UNISON;

and then from—

Professor Alistair Clark, Professor of Political Science, Newcastle University;

Professor Toby James, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, University of East Anglia.

Jackie Dunbar MSP declared an interest as a former Councillor.

3. Evidence Session:

The Committee considered the evidence it heard earlier under agenda item 2.