Agenda and minutes

The Llywydd welcomed Members to the meeting. Apologies were received from Jane Dodds MS.

The Minutes of the previous meeting were agreed for publication.

Tuesday 

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers of the following change to Tuesday’s business:

• Statement by the Cabinet Secretary for Education: Progress of the Curriculum Roll Out (45 mins) Withdrawn

• Voting Time will take place as the last item of business.
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 5.25pm.

Wednesday

The Llywydd informed Business Managers of the following changes to Wednesday’s business:

• Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Adam Price MS (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (60 mins) Withdrawn
• Motion to suspend Standing Orders (5 mins)
• Member Debate under Standing Order 11.21(iv): Mabon ap Gwynfor MS (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (60 mins) 

• Voting Time will take place before the Short Debate.  
• Plenary is unlikely to run past 7.10pm.

The Trefnydd informed Business Managers that no changes have been made to the Three Week Timetable of Government Business.

Business Managers agreed the following changes to the Three Week Timetable of Senedd Business:

Wednesday 16 July 2025 –

·         Statement by Mark Isherwood MS: Introduction of a Member Proposed Bill – The British Sign Language (Wales) Bill (60 mins)

·         Finance Committee Debate: Welsh Government's spending priorities for the 2026-27 budget (60 mins)

• Debate on the Wales Covid-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee report: Inquiry Module 1 (60 mins)
• Time allocated to the Welsh Conservatives (60 mins)
• Short Debate: Cefin Campbell MS (Mid and West Wales) (30 mins)

Business Committee considered the proposed motions for debate on 2 July 2025 and agreed to schedule the following motion:

Hefin David MS

NNDM8940 

To propose that the Senedd: 

1. Notes a proposal for a Bill on Owain’s Law, named after Owain James of Caerphilly, who passed away from a brain tumour in 2024. 

2. Notes that the purpose of this Bill would be to ensure that: 

a) consent for the handling and storage of tumour tissue must be obtained from the patient, or next of kin where appropriate, prior to surgery; 

i) the consent process shall include a clear written explanation of how excised tissue will be stored following surgery, and pathological and histological examination; and 

ii) the consent will outline that all remaining tissue will be owned by the patient and only consent from the patient, or next of kin where appropriate, can determine its use; 

b) the minimal amount of excised tumour tissue will be used for pathological and histological analysis, ensuring diagnostic accuracy; 

c) the remaining excised tumour tissue must be flash or fresh frozen, at -80 degrees centigrade, without any chemicals or preservatives (including saline or paraffin). Tissue should be stored in multiple aliquots, where possible, to maximise the future use of tissue for various purposes; and 

d) where emergency situations arise and consent is not possible prior to surgery, the same protocol for tissue storage must be followed and consent must be completed within 48 hours. 

The Business Committee discussed the proposed timetable for scrutiny of the British Sign Language (Wales) Bill and agreed to refer the Bill to the Equality and Social Justice Committee for consideration of the general principles.

The Business Committee agreed to consult with the Equality and Social Justice Committee on the proposed timetable for scrutiny and return to the matter at a future meeting.

The Business Committee considered an update from the Trefnydd and agreed to:

• refer the SLCM (No.3) on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill to the Climate Change, Environment, and Infrastructure Committee and the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee, with a reporting deadline of 26 September 2025 for all Memoranda on this Bill;
• extend the reporting deadline for the LCM on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill to 19 September 2025.

The Llywydd emphasised the importance of the Senedd having the opportunity to hold a debate and vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill at a meaningful point in the UK Parliamentary process. Heledd Fychan requested that the Business Committee be informed of any significant changes to the Bill, given its importance.

The Trefnydd indicated that she would raise these points with the Counsel General and Minister for Delivery.

The Business Committee agreed a request from the Petitions Committee to schedule a Plenary debate on petition P-06-1489 Legislate to ensure swift bricks are installed in all new buildings in Wales in the autumn term.

The Llywydd noted the latest position in relation to P-05-1456: I demand a full public enquiry into the closure of Welsh Air Ambulance bases in mid and North Wales, and that a debate on this petition  has been on hold as a result of Judicial Review proceedings. The Business Committee noted the potential for the High Court’s ruling in these proceedings to be appealed and agreed to consider the scheduling of the debate once there was greater clarity.

The Business Committee noted the response from the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee and its intention to further consider its possible approach to scrutiny of these matters at a future meeting. The

The Business Committee noted that, were it to proceed with this work, the Public Accounts and Public Administration Committee has indicated that it envisages wishing to take evidence from the First Minister given her ministerial responsibilities in respect of civil contingencies. Business Committee agreed that the Committee should write directly to the First Minister regarding any scrutiny sessions it may wish to hold.

Business Committee agreed to schedule a debate on the Wales COVID-19 Inquiry Special Purpose Committee’s Module 1 report to take place in Plenary on Wednesday 16 July.

Business Committee noted the letter and welcomed the audit.