A bill laying out the newly-reconstituted Senate’s bylaws and outlining its mandate passed the upper chamber in a final vote yesterday and will now be submitted to the president for approval, according to Youm7, which carries the legislation in full. Under the bylaws, the Senate’s advisory role covers voting on any future constitutional amendments and any bills referred to it by the House of Representatives or the president, approving government policy, and ratifying international treaties.

ALSO ON THE LEGISLATIVE FRONT- We’re one step close to seeing the creation of an emergency medical response fund after the House Health Committee approved yesterday the draft law given the green light by the cabinet in August, Al Shorouk reports. The fund will replace family health centers around the country and provide financial support during major emergencies and finance services provided by the Health Ministry to reduce waiting lists. The law will now be referred to a plenary session for approval.