Agenda Profile: Vilja Toomast
Second Reading of the Draft Act amending the Imprisonment Act and other acts (Modernization of the Imprisonment Act and introduction of digital solutions) (Bill 227 SE)
2024-02-20
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is centered on supporting the modernization of the Imprisonment Act and the implementation of digital solutions, in adherence to the consensus decisions made by the Legal Affairs Committee. Key issues include limiting solitary confinement in line with the recommendations of the Chancellor of Justice, and the digital regulation of serving procedural documents. The overall approach is strongly focused on policy and procedure, emphasizing the technical streamlining of the draft legislation.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates profound knowledge of incarceration law, criminal policy, and the legislative process. He details specific amendments (e.g., regulations concerning solitary confinement, the modernization of drug control equipment) and references specific legal sources, such as European Court decisions and the opinions issued by the Chancellor of Justice. This expertise is further reflected in the accurate reproduction of the arguments presented by Ministry of Justice representatives regarding the rejection of proposed amendments.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is extremely formal, neutral, and procedural, focusing on the brief and concise presentation of the minutes. The speaker uses logical appeals, presenting factual data regarding the bill's procedure, the content of the proposed amendments, and the voting results. The tone is businesslike and purposeful, aiming to save colleagues' time by summarizing lengthy protocols.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The scope of work involves intensive activity within the Legal Affairs Committee, including an off-site session at Tallinn Prison and several meetings to discuss proposed amendments. The speaker highlights the delay in processing the legislation (it was supposed to take effect on January 1st, but it is now February) and the necessity of postponing the effective dates. He/She provides the exact dates for both the committee sessions and the schedule for the final vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The opposition was directed at the amendments proposed by Riigikogu member Riina Solman, which concerned expanding the list of individuals permitted to meet with detainees and granting internet access for the purpose of acquiring higher education. The objection was moderate and justified by security and practical arguments put forth by the Ministry of Justice, such as the risk of criminal elements appearing at meetings under the guise of an employer. Solman's proposals were voted down in the committee.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The style of cooperation is consensual and institutional, emphasizing the legal committee's unanimous decisions during the processing of the draft legislation and the adoption of procedural decisions. Cooperation was carried out with representatives of the Ministry of Justice (Martin Ziehr), and the opinions of the Tallinn Prison Committee and the Chancellor of Justice were taken into account. The amendments proposed by the committee itself were adopted by consensus.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
The regional focus is lacking, with emphasis placed instead on national legislation and institutional bodies (e.g., Tallinn Prison, the Ministry of Justice).
1 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Not enough data
1 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social focus centers on balancing the rights and security of incarcerated individuals. This includes supporting the restriction of solitary confinement, requiring authorization from a court or prosecutor's office, primarily to mitigate potential damage claims against the state. Concurrently, proposals that might have compromised prison security or demanded that prisons be prepared to offer higher education were rejected.
1 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
The legislative focus is on amendments to the Imprisonment Act and the three procedural codes (Criminal, Civil, and Misdemeanor Procedure Codes), aimed at modernizing criminal law and digital solutions. Priorities include tightening the regulation of solitary confinement, implementing the prison register, and establishing the legal basis for the service of procedural documents in the digital environment (Käpo). The speaker is the bill's rapporteur, who is guiding it toward the final vote.
1 Speeches Analyzed