The first minister stated that new laws will be introduced to the Senedd in the coming year. They aim to ban single-use plastics and improve air quality.
Bills will be introduced to address safety concerns regarding coal tipping and to streamline the approval process for major infrastructure projects.
Mark Drakeford stated that the “ambitious plans” had a “clear emphasis on Wales’ stronger and fairer future”.
Conservatives criticized a future plan for expanding the Senedd.
Andrew RT Davies, Tory Welsh Parliamentary Leader, said that “rushing through” proposals for increasing the number of Cardiff Bay politicians to 60 from 96 “shows how out-of-touch Labour ministers are.”
Although the plans for a Welsh government are generally welcomed, Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price noted that they “look very thin” when compared to the Scottish legislative programs.
The Senedd reform proposals, which also change voting system for Senedd election, were revealed by Mr Drakeford in May by Mr Price. They were backed last weekend by a special Welsh labour conference.
A bill to reform the bus industry will be introduced during the third year of the Welsh government’s term, which could eventually lead to a one-to-bus network and a single ticketing system in Wales.
Ministers claim that legislation to improve how council tax is collected to make it more fair will be introduced in the same year.
Mr Drakeford stated that the Clean Air Bill would contain “ambitious air quality goals” and a “more solid regulatory framework to support them”. He also added that there would be measures to ensure all parts of society contribute to reducing pollution.
The Bill on Single Use Plastics will prohibit or limit the sale of common littered items like plastic straws and cutlery.
Ministers claim that the Agriculture Bill will transform the way support is provided to the industry. It will focus on sustainable food production, and reward farmers who take action to protect the environment.
The Bill on Infrastructure Consenting is designed to simplify the process of major infrastructure projects being agreed upon, “providing more certainty to communities and developers”.
First minister stated that the Bill on Coal Tip Safety would create a “new supervision authority” to ensure a consistent approach to management, monitoring, and oversight of disused coal tip throughout Wales.
“We have a packed legislative schedule ahead of us as the building blocks for the Wales we want are laid,” stated Mr Drakeford.
“To deliver it, we will continue working across the chamber in order to ensure that our legislation is the best possible and improves all the lives of the people of Wales.”
