Draft law amending the Courts Act and other related acts (to enhance court administration) - second reading (632 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th session, plenary sitting
Date: 2025-06-12 05:04
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 8
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 9m
AI Summaries: 8/8 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
This agenda item concerned the second reading of draft law 632, concerning the amendment of the Courts Act and the amendment of other acts related thereto (improving court administration). The Constitutional Committee held discussions on the draft twice (June 2–3), heard representatives from the Ministry of Justice and Digital Transformation and various institutions, and gathered extensive input from both experts and interest groups. The opinions of all those invited indicated a positive attitude towards the draft from the judiciary, and the engagement process was extensive, although problems requiring further consideration were also highlighted. Following the committee’s work, they adhered to proposals: a total of six amendments to the draft were decided to be submitted, and a plan was prepared for the continuation of the draft’s procedure. The second reading was scheduled to be completed, and it was then planned that the plenary session would prepare for a final vote on a cooled schedule: the completion of the second reading on June 11th and the final vote on June 18th. Based on the input received, substantive positions were formed and progress was made towards consensus-based decisions.
Decisions Made 2
The steering committee proposed to conclude the second reading of bill 632 and proceed with the process according to the planned schedule: to end the second reading on June 11th and hold the final vote on June 18th.
The Estonian 200 faction's proposal to halt the second reading of the draft law amending the Courts Act and other related laws (bill number 632) was passed: in favor 41, abstentions 1, against 0. The second reading of the bill has been suspended. The deadline for submitting amendments is June 30th at 5:15 PM.
Most Active Speaker
I designate aHOtRnoAjLA as the most active speaker, who represented the fundamental concerns of the Riigikogu Constitutional Committee and highlighted the risks associated with changing the court administration model and the importance of regional representation. Their role can be described as that of a Constitutional Committee member (other), whose speech was lengthy and focused on the importance of maintaining control, regional aspects, and democratic mechanisms in relation to the bill.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
This item on the agenda addresses the second reading of Bill 632, initiated by the Government of the Republic, concerning amendments to the Courts Act and other related legislation. The report will be presented by Pipi-Liis Siemanni, a member of the Riigikogu Constitutional Committee.
Pipi-Liis Siemann
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
The Constitutional Committee, which handled the amendments to the Courts Act and related legislation, heard the Ministers of Justice and Digital Affairs and representatives of the involved institutions during its sessions on June 2 and 3. The committee concluded that the consultation process was extensive and the draft bill is important. It submitted six amendment proposals at the June 3 session and decided to place the draft bill on the plenary agenda for June 11 and the final vote for June 18. All decisions were consensus-based.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the rapporteur, announces that there are no questions, opens the debate, and invites his colleague Madis Kallas to the podium.
Madis Kallas
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Madis Kallas criticized the draft bill, arguing it would eliminate parliamentary oversight of the courts' budget and hand a significant portion of the debate's power to judges. He stressed that regional coverage across Estonia and addressing regional needs must remain the duty of politicians.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The address opens with thanks, and colleague Toomas Uibo is then invited to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Toomas Uibo
Profiling Eesti 200 fraktsioonAI Summary
Toomas Uibo stated that comments have emerged regarding the draft bill, particularly from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and consequently, it was decided to temporarily suspend the bill and request its withdrawal. The application has already been submitted, and they hope it will receive support.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The Chairman explains that the six amendments received from the Constitutional Committee have been reviewed, and the lead committee wishes to conclude the second reading of Bill 632. However, the Eesti 200 faction has submitted a motion to interrupt the proceedings, and we will now proceed to prepare for the vote on that motion.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar announced that the proposal received 41 votes in favor, 1 abstention, and no votes against, and therefore the second reading of Bill 632 is suspended. The deadline for submitting amendments is 5:15 PM on June 30th of this year, and before proceeding, the Chair will take a ten-minute recess so that we may all refresh ourselves a little.