Public Health Amendment (No. 2) Act

What this bill does

This bill changes how COVID-19 rule violations are enforced in Bermuda by transferring responsibility from Public Health Officers to police officers. It also increases maximum penalties from $1,500 to $10,000 and removes the requirement for people to admit guilt when paying fines.

If passed (voted YES)

• Police officers will issue tickets for COVID-19 violations instead of Public Health Officers
• Maximum fines for breaking COVID-19 rules increase from $1,500 to $10,000
• People can pay their COVID-19 fines without having to admit they broke the law, and won't get a criminal record if they pay within 28 days

If rejected (voted NO)

• Public Health Officers continue to handle COVID-19 enforcement instead of police
• Maximum fines for COVID-19 violations remain capped at $1,500
• Current system continues where people must admit guilt when paying COVID-19 fines

Who it affects

This affects anyone in Bermuda who might violate COVID-19 public health rules or quarantine requirements. It also changes the roles of police officers and Public Health Officers in enforcing these measures.