Senate insists on decision regarding ASEZA’s share of tax collection

AMMAN — The Senate on Tuesday insisted on its decision regarding a bill to increase the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority's (ASEZA) share of tax collection.

The bill, as submitted by the government, raises the southern city's share of income and sales taxes collections to 40 per cent from the current rate of 25 per cent, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The proposal was passed by the Senate, but the Lower House rejected the amendment on two occasions.

According to the Constitution, a bill needs to be passed by both chambers of Parliament before being signed into law by the King. If the two houses fail to agree, they will convene in a joint session for a majority vote.

Recent amendments to the Constitution allow the two chambers to set up a committee to resolve the conflict and submit recommendations for final approval. 

The Senate also returned to the Lower House a draft law on the professional licensing inside the Greater Amman Municipality for 2022 after making some amendments. They also referred a recommendation to the government to refer a draft investment law. 

The Upper Chamber also endorsed a draft law for the reconstruction of government institutions and departments for 2022 as referred from the MPs.