First and Second Readings of Bills
In addition to the presentation of the Budget Report 2025-26, Budget Appropriation Bill for FY 2025–26 and the Supplementary Budget Appropriation Bill for FY 2024–25, five other Bills were also tabled in the House today.
The Livestock Bill 2025;
Alternative Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Bill 2024 ;
Excise Tax Bill 2025;
Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025;
Income Tax Bill 2025 .
1. Livestock Bill 2025
Introduced by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, the Bill seeks to promote sustainable livestock development and improve animal health, breeding, and welfare standards. It also proposes clearer roles for regulatory bodies and emphasizes biosecurity and traceability in livestock practices. The Bill was referred to the Environment and Climate Change Committee for detailed review, with the report expected in the Winter Session for Third Reading.
2. Excise Tax Bill 2025
The Finance Minister introduced this Money Bill to retain excise taxes on selected items such as tobacco, alcohol, supari, and vehicles, following the removal of the Excise Equalisation Tax (EET) from the GST Act. The Bill aims to simplify taxation and improve domestic revenue. It was referred to the Economic and Finance Committee, which will report back on 9 June 2025.
3. Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025
Also introduced by the Finance Minister, this Bill proposes removing the EET, revising 257 exempt items, and improving GST compliance. The changes aim to boost revenue collection and increase GST efficiency from 63% to 73%, generating an estimated Nu. 1.23 billion annually. The Bill was referred to the Economic and Finance Committee, which will report back on 10 June 2025.
4. Income Tax Bill 2025
The Bill seeks to modernize Bhutan’s income tax system by merging business and personal income taxation, rationalizing tax rates, and introducing deductions for housing loans and parenthood. Replacing the 2001 Income Tax Act, it aims to simplify compliance and improve fairness. The Economic and Finance Committee will present its report on 12 June 2025.
5. Alternative Dispute Resolution (Amendment) Bill 2024
This Bill, introduced by the Chairperson of the Legislative Committee, aims to make out-of-court dispute resolution faster and more accessible. It was referred to the Legislative Committee with the directive to report on 19 June 2025 for third reading.
The deliberations and committee reviews of these Bills will continue over the coming weeks in the ongoing session.
