Amman, April 22 (Petra) -- The Senate approved six draft laws on Wednesday, concluding its second ordinary session with a legislative package that advances digital transformation, strengthens energy security, and supports investment in key sectors.

The session, chaired by Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Cabinet members, endorsed the bills as received from the Lower House, covering education and human resources development, gas regulation, civil status, and traffic, alongside two agreements on mining and external financing.

At the center of the package are reforms aimed at modernizing governance and service delivery. Amendments to the Civil Status Law introduce verified digital identities and registered digital addresses for citizens, enabling their use in official, judicial, and financial notifications, a step aligned with broader efforts to digitize government services.

Changes to the Traffic Law allow the use of electronic communication and digital signatures in transactions, streamlining procedures and reducing administrative burdens, while also addressing the backlog of impounded vehicles that could not be sold through public auction.

In the energy sector, the Gas Law establishes a regulatory framework designed to enhance supply security and attract investment, reflecting a policy shift toward more structured oversight of the sector.

The Senate also approved an agreement to develop and exploit copper resources in the Abu Khushaybah area, aimed at boosting mining investment and supporting local communities, as well as a concessional loan agreement with Italy worth €50 million to support public finances.

In a related recommendation, the Senate called for expanding the membership of the Education and Human Resources Development Council to include additional experts, including representatives from national institutions and international organizations, to strengthen policy formulation in the sector.

The council, chaired by the prime minister, brings together ministers and senior officials across education, labor, culture, and digital economy, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies and the private sector.

The approvals mark the close of the legislative term, with the package reflecting a broader push to align regulatory frameworks with economic modernization priorities and improve institutional efficiency.

//Petra// RZ