Legislative changes
News about adopted, proposed, or debated changes in laws, regulations, and legal frameworks.
New Law on Combating Corruption: What are the Changes and What Does it Provide For?
The Ministry of Justice foresees the creation of a new, effective body to combat corruption, with the aim of protecting the public interest. The project envisages a five-member commission that will work in two main areas: prevention and investigation of corruption crimes.
Parliament Bans Energy Minister's Actions on BEH Changes
The National Assembly has prohibited the Minister of Energy from taking action to change the structure of the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH). The decision was adopted unanimously with 132 votes.
Lobbying Law Passed: What are the New Rules for Interest Representation?
The National Assembly has passed a law on transparency in interest representation. The law introduces a lobbyist register, regulates meetings, and provides for penalties for violators. The goal is to shed light on the processes of interaction with public authorities and to fulfill commitments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). There is criticism related to the distinction between lobbying and advocacy for a public cause.
Commission Adopts Amendments to the Penal Code: Stricter Punishments for Child Abuse and Waste
The parliamentary committee on constitutional and legal affairs has adopted amendments to the Penal Code, including increased penalties for sexual offenses against children, criminalization of illegal waste disposal, and changes to the lobbying law.
MPs Adopt Extension Law for Budget on First Reading
MPs supported on first reading amendments to the extension law for the budget. The law extends the validity of the budget until the adoption of the new budgets for 2026. It provides for the financing of increased expenditures and the possibility for municipalities to incur expenses on the basis of regulatory acts.
Parliament Discusses Extension Law for the Budget: Key Changes
Parliament has begun discussing the extension law for the budget in its first reading. The law extends the budget's validity until the adoption of the regular budget for 2026, to ensure the continuity of budgetary payments. Changes are planned for municipalities and an agreement with the EC regarding defense capabilities.
MPs approved in first reading the Public Transport Act and the introduction of a single ticket
The Parliament adopted in first reading the Public Transport Act, which unites passenger transport and provides for a national scheme, a single transport document and indicators for the quality of the service.
Parliament Discusses Amendments to the Penal Code: Highlights from Today's Session
Five bills amending the Penal Code are being considered in the first reading in parliament. Bills are being discussed on combating waste, protecting children from sexual abuse, overcoming contradictions in legislation, and extending the statute of limitations for crimes against minors. A bill on false statements before a notary public has been rejected.
Taxation Changes: Exemption for Religious Denominations and Accelerated Depreciation for Electric Vehicles
Parliament approved amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Act. These include tax exemptions for income from property of religious denominations, accelerated depreciation for electric vehicles, and tax breaks for research and development activities.
Budget and Finance Committee to Consider Amendments to the Budget Extension Law
The Budget and Finance Committee will discuss amendments to the budget extension law for 2026, submitted by the caretaker government. The amendments provide for funding for salary increases, including indexation and from the growth of the minimum wage, as well as an increase in social payments. It is also proposed that municipalities be able to make expenditures exceeding the previous year's, and that the government be able to conclude loan agreements and state guarantees.
Parliament Obliges Commissions to Provide Information on Candidates to the Dossier Commission
Parliament adopted amendments to the law that oblige election commissions to provide information about candidates to the Dossier Commission. The aim is to improve the vetting of candidates and to prevent a lack of information, as there was in previous elections.
MPs Discuss Pension Changes and Military Aircraft
The National Assembly is discussing important bills: changes to pension insurance, the situation with military aircraft at the airport, and other issues. Hearings with ministers are planned.
Laws Against Sexual Offenses: Children Under 16 Receive Greater Protection
The Legal Committee adopted amendments to the Criminal Code that increase the protection of children under 16 from sexual offenses, including those involving pornography created with artificial intelligence.
BSP Calls on MPs to Support the President's Veto on the Electoral Code
The Executive Bureau of BSP calls on the parliamentary group of "BSP-United Left" to support President Yotova's veto on the Electoral Code. Krum Zarkov emphasizes the importance of party decisions and the potential damage from supporting the changes.
Outgoing government adopted amendments to the Criminal Code to protect children from sexual offenses
The government increased penalties for sexual crimes against children under the age of 10 and extended the statute of limitations for prosecuting perpetrators. The decision provides for up to 20 years in prison.