The National Assembly (NA) adopted on second reading amendments to the Penal Code (PC), which introduce penalties for providing social services without a license. The main focus is on residential care and the provision of shelter.

Main highlights:

  • Up to 5 years in prison and a fine: Imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of 1000 to 5000 BGN for providing a social service for residential care or a social service for providing shelter without a license, after an administrative penalty.
  • Harsher penalties for complicated cases:
    • From 1 to 6 years in prison and a fine of 5000 to 20,000 BGN for committing the act by two or more persons who have agreed in advance; with a document with false content or for the purpose of financial gain.
    • From 2 to 8 years in prison and a fine of 10,000 to 50,000 BGN for an act committed by a person on the instructions of an organized criminal group or constituting a dangerous recidivism.
  • Rejected text: A text providing for criminal liability for violation of quality standards that would endanger the lives or health of users has been rejected.
  • Debate: Nina Dimitrova from BSP expressed regret for the rejection of this text, emphasizing the importance of criminal liability for the protection of the elderly and for conscientious employees.