Senate forms Special Committee to review Penal Code

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Senate has established a Special Committee, led by Senator Santiago José Zorrilla, to study the long-pending Penal Code bill. Senate President Ricardo de los Santos stressed the urgency of updating the outdated 19th-century legislation. Senator Ramón Rogelio Genao emphasized the importance of consensus to ensure its approval and implementation by the independent Public Prosecutor’s Office.

During the legislative session, senators approved several bills on their first reading, including the Energy Efficiency Bill, the Administrative Litigation Jurisdiction Bill, and the Dominican Quality System Reorganization Bill. Other key approvals included amendments to laws on weapons control, police pensions, food energy value labeling, and the creation of a national DNA registry. Additionally, a bill was passed to exempt security cameras from import taxes and to rename various public spaces in honor of notable figures.

The Senate also ratified three diplomatic appointments and approved the final reading of a bill defining the territorial boundaries of Salto de la Jalda National Park. A moment of silence was observed for revolutionary fighter Rafael Crespo Minaya, while musician Diómedes Núñez was honored with applause.