30. March 05
The debate on a draft act commences with its submission to the Riigikogu. The draft law is sent to the President of the Riigikogu along with the explanatory memorandums and other necessary annexes. The submitter may give an introduction of up to two minutes.
The Board of the Riigikogu designates a steering committee out of the committees of the Riigikogu and within three weeks it will make a proposal regarding the draft act to the Board - whether to enter it on the agenda or to exclude it from the legislative procedure. If the draft act has not been submitted via the Government, the steering committee will forward it to the Government for providing its opinion. Every member of the Riigikogu may forward his or her opinion, proposal or statement concerning the draft act to the steering committee. The draft law will have at least two readings, unless three readings are required by law.
First Reading
The purpose of the first reading is to introduce the draft act, starting with a report of the initiator of the draft act and the supplementary report of the steering committee. The members of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions from the presenter of the report. No negotiations are opened and no decision is made. If the steering committee decides to terminate the first reading and to proceed with the second reading, the draft act will have its second reading without a vote, unless any committee or faction makes a proposal to reject it. If the steering committee makes a proposal not to terminate the first reading and to reject the draft act, negotiations regarding the further course will begin.
Second Reading
In the second reading the report of the initiator of the draft act and a supporting report of a representative of the steering committee concerning the work done between the two readings as well as the comments regarding the motions to amend are heard. Unlike in the first reading, a debate is opened and the members of the Riigikogu may ask questions. All motions to amend are reviewed and subsequently a proposal to terminate the reading or take the final vote or proceed to the third reading can be made. If the first or the latter proposal is not made, the final vote will be taken.
Third Reading
In the third reading only an authorised representative of a faction or a committee may comment on the draft act. The third reading takes place within a month as from the termination of the second reading. After the third reading the draft act will be passed.
