MSPs continued to debate the Programme for Government
Nicola Sturgeon is to demand Holyrood be given the power to hold a second independence referendum
Climate change, the economy and building a fairer country were the central themes of the programme for government
The programme, entitled Protecting Scotland's Future, includes 14 new bills as well as a raft of non-legislative announcements
Tory MSP Adam Tomkins asks about the bill giving ministers the power to call referendums.
"That's a retrograde step," replies Dr Renwick.
Any referendum should be subject to the highest scrutiny in advance of it being called, at the very least through parliament if not by a citizens' assembly as well, he explains.
Image source, bbcDr Renwick says the bill is based on a 20 year old legislative framework and he adds it would be good for Scotland to think about what should be at the forefront of elections, not two decades behind.
The academic points to the importance of digital voting and calls for the deepening of the quality of referendums, by improving the level of information available to the public.
He cites to higher quality of debate in Ireland with citizens' assemblies and he points to the chaotic outcome of the Brexit referendum.
It was on a basic principle rather than on a specific plan, he explains, which is why Westminster has got into the mess it has.
Dr Alan Renwick praises the length of the independence referendum process in 2014 as it allowed issues to be thoroughly discussed.
He suggests the Referendums (Scotland) Bill should define a minimum time limit, with an absolute minimum of four weeks and a preference for ten weeks.
In 2012 an elections expert who reviewed the 2007 Holyrood voting shambles believed a two-question referendum on Scotland's future would "muddy the waters".
Ron Gould said a single question would deliver a clearer outcome.
The principle set out by Gould is that, except in cases of unforeseen emergencies, changes to election law should not be applicable to any elections within a six-month period from the date the legislation comes into effect.
Image source, bbcDr Alan Renwick stresses the importance of the Gould Principle and fairness to both sets of campaigns.
"Doing referendums slowly and carefully is the best approach to take," he adds.
Prof Justin Fisher warns against rushing referendums, including framing any question.
He says things worked well in the last indyref but did not work well in the EU referendum, as evinced by events at Westminster.
Image source, Getty ImagesLegislation which could pave the way for a new Scottish independence referendum was tabled in May.
The Scottish government wants to put the question of independence to a new public vote in the second half of 2020.
However, the Referendums (Scotland) Bill does not set a date or question, with ministers seeking agreement with the UK government
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said "now more than ever it is essential that we keep Scotland's options open".
The constitution committee is first hearing from:
The Finance and Constitution Committee will begin taking evidence on the Referendums (Scotland) Bill this morning.
The legislation could pave the way for a new Scottish independence referendum - though does not set a date or question.
Academics will discuss the framework, conduct, and campaign rules.
Image source, Getty ImagesGood morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Wednesday 4 September 2019.
The Finance and Constitution Committee take evidence on the indyref2 framework bill this morning.
After lunch, ministers responsible for the environment and rural economy face portfolio questions.
Then MSP continue to debate the programme for government, delivered yesterday.
Finally SNP MSP Joan McAlpine will lead a debate on late poet Hamish Henderson.