Agenda Profile: Madis Timpson
Draft law amending the State Duty Act and the Act on Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances and Their Precursors (502 SE) – Second Reading
2024-11-21
15th Riigikogu, 4th session, plenary sitting
Political Position
The political position is focused on supporting and advancing the processing of Bill 502 SE (Amendments to the State Fees Act). The support is moderate and procedure-based, emphasizing the ministry’s explanations regarding the justification for raising state fees, particularly in the context of social service accessibility. The stance is primarily policy-based, concentrating on the links between state fees and the financing of services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates proficiency in legislative procedure, particularly concerning the second reading stage of draft legislation and the involvement of interest groups (such as the Estonian Social Work Association). They are fluent in technical terminology related to the cost-recovery principle for state fees and the funding sources for social services. Their expertise is also evident in managing the extensive consultation process (involving 24 organizations) and summarizing its outcomes.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The speaker employs an extremely formal, procedural, and neutral style, perfectly suited to the role of a commission rapporteur. The emphasis is placed on logical appeal and the presentation of facts (dates, organizations, decisions), strictly avoiding emotional judgments. The language is detailed, focusing on the chronology of the proceedings and underscoring the importance of consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The mode of operation is focused on legislative work and detailed reporting of the committee’s activities to the Riigikogu plenary session. Specific dates are mentioned (October 23, November 6, November 12), as well as extensive consultation with 24 organizations. This pattern demonstrates a commitment to meeting the deadlines set for processing the draft bill.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
Direct political opposition is not being criticized; instead, the concerns of interest groups (the Estonian Social Work Association, the Union of Rehabilitation Institutions) regarding the increase in state duties are highlighted. The criticism itself was policy-based (connecting the fees to salary policy or service financing), and the ministry provided explanations in response.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and inclusive; all committee decisions regarding the further handling of the draft bill were consensual. Broad cooperation outside the Riigikogu was also emphasized, with consultations held with 24 different organizations, two of which were invited to participate in the committee meeting.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
There is not enough data.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Economic perspectives address the policy regarding state levies, supporting the position that these levies should not be based exclusively on the cost principle, in order to ensure the availability of social services. It is emphasized that state levies are not part of salary policy, and it is inappropriate to link the activity license fee to the service’s funding source.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
In the social sector, the focus is on the provision and funding of social services, particularly in the context of operating licenses and state charges. It is stressed that increasing these state fees should not obstruct the delivery of social services, a point which highlights concerns about the overall accessibility of services.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus centers on the draft bill (502 SE) amending the State Fees Act and the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act. The speaker is a proponent of the bill and the lead manager of the proceedings, who is reporting on the technical amendments initiated and supported by the committee. The objective is to bring the bill to a final vote in early December.
1 Speeches Analyzed