Basically, it's another way to declare an SOE - here's how the PM explained it:

John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Two recent decisions of the High Court of Belize have left a state of uncertainty about the use by the state of this measure as of the public emergency powers to prevent, detect or control crime in the country."

"The pronouncements of the respective judges are conflicting. This creates difficulties for the government, for any government. Firstly, the state has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, which includes abiding by the court orders or pronouncement. The state clearly cannot abide by both decisions."

"I have publicly stated that the government will appeal the recent decision handed down by Judge Nabi."

"Such an appeal, however, could not come from hearing for at least nine months from now."

"In March of 2026 court of appeal session. The state of uncertainty in the law cannot persist uncorrected for such a long period. And so, Madam Speaker, this is why I'm here this morning, introducing this bill. This Belize constitution 13th amendment Bill 2025 because legislative intervention is necessary."

"These proposed amendments to the Belize Constitution to make new provisions include, 1.) A new section 18 empowering the Governor General on the advice of the National Security Council to make an order on reasonable grounds and in the interest of public safety, public order, and for the purpose of preventing, detecting and controlling crime: that a designated area is a special area and limit the rights of citizens within this area for a specific period."

"This new section is separate from the current SOE provision in the Constitution."

The amendment also deals with the establishment of a Gun and Gang Court.