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Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act

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Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act - content
Issuer:Riigikogu
Type:act
In force from:12.06.2020
In force until: In force
Translation published:04.06.2020

Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 - entry into force 14.07.2007]

Passed 11.02.2003
RT I 2003, 24, 148
Entry into force 17.03.2003

Amended by the following legal instruments (show)

PassedPublishedEntry into force
18.12.2003RT I 2003, 90, 60101.01.2004
11.02.2004RT I 2004, 12, 7715.03.2004
15.12.2004RT I 2004, 89, 60707.01.2005
08.12.2005RT I 2005, 68, 52423.12.2005
16.02.2006RT I 2006, 12, 8019.03.2006
25.01.2007RT I 2007, 16, 7701.01.2008
14.06.2007RT I 2007, 44, 31614.07.2007
11.03.2009RT I 2009, 19, 11706.04.2009
29.10.2009RT I 2009, 54, 36123.11.2009
19.05.2010RT I 2010, 28, 14414.06.2010
17.02.2011RT I, 21.03.2011, 101.01.2012
15.06.2011RT I, 08.07.2011, 822.07.2011
29.09.2011RT I, 01.10.2011, 102.10.2011
13.06.2012RT I, 06.07.2012, 101.04.2013
30.08.2012RT II, 14.09.2012, 115.09.2012
17.10.2012RT I, 01.11.2012, 111.11.2012
19.02.2014RT I, 13.03.2014, 223.03.2014, in part 01.01.2015, 01.01.2017 and 01.01.2019
12.03.2014RT I, 01.04.2014, 111.04.2014
23.10.2014RT I, 05.11.2014, 215.11.2014
09.12.2014RT I, 22.12.2014, 901.01.2015
19.02.2015RT I, 06.03.2015, 2516.03.2015
11.02.2015RT I, 12.03.2015, 101.01.2016
13.04.2016RT I, 03.05.2016, 213.05.2016
13.04.2016RT I, 06.05.2016, 101.01.2017
14.06.2016RT I, 28.06.2016, 429.06.2016, in part 01.01.2017 and 01.07.2017
20.02.2019RT I, 07.03.2019, 117.03.2019
12.05.2020RT I, 02.06.2020, 212.06.2020

Chapter 1 CONVENING NEW RIIGIKOGU AND FIRST SITTING OF NEW RIIGIKOGU 

§ 1.  Convening new Riigikogu

 (1) The first sitting of the new Riigikogu is held within 10 days as of the declaration of the results of the elections.

 (2) The first sitting of the Riigikogu is convened by the President of the Republic.

 (3) Where the President of the Republic is unable to convene the first sitting of the Riigikogu, the sitting is convened by the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee or their deputy.

 (4) The first sitting of the Riigikogu is held in Tallinn at Toompea Castle, unless the person who convenes the sitting has, for important reasons, determined otherwise in the notice convening the sitting.

§ 2.  Opening and chairing of first sitting

 (1) The first sitting of the new Riigikogu is opened by the President of the Republic.

 (2) Until the President of the Riigikogu is elected, the first sitting is chaired by the Chairman of the National Electoral Committee or their deputy.

 (3) The seats of the members of the Riigikogu in the session hall of the Riigikogu are arranged in alphabetical order.

§ 3.  Taking oath of office

 (1) After the sitting of the Riigikogu is opened, the members of the Riigikogu take the oath of office.

 (2) The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is present at the taking of the oath of office.

 (3) The eldest member of the Riigikogu present reads out the oath of office from the rostrum in the session hall of the Riigikogu and signs the text of the oath. Thereafter, the other members of the Riigikogu sign the text of the oath.

§ 4.  Election of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

  At the first sitting of the Riigikogu, the members of the Riigikogu elect the President of the Riigikogu and two Vice Presidents from among themselves.

§ 5.  Notification of resignation of Government of the Republic

  After the election of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu, the Prime Minister announces the resignation of the Government of the Republic.

Chapter 2 PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS OF RIIGIKOGU 

Division 1 Election of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu 

§ 6.  Main principles governing holding of elections of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

 (1) The President and the two Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are elected at the first sitting of the new Riigikogu. Thereafter, regular elections of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are held at the last sitting of the working week of the Riigikogu plenary that precedes the passing of one year since the previous regular election of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Where the mandate of the President or the Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu ends before the conclusion of its term in the cases prescribed in clauses 2, 3 or 4 of subsection 1 of § 9 or clauses 2, 3 or 4 f subsection 2 of § 9 of this Act, an extraordinary election of the President or Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu is held at the first sitting of the following working week of the Riigikogu plenary assembly.

§ 7.  Principles of and rules for elections of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

 (1) First, the President of the Riigikogu is elected. The Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are elected at the same time after the election of the President of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Candidates may be nominated by members of the Riigikogu. First, candidates for the office of the President of the Riigikogu are nominated. After the election of the President of the Riigikogu, candidates for the office of the Vice President of the Riigikogu are nominated. The nominated candidates must consent to stand in the elections.

 (3) Voting in the elections of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu takes place by secret ballot.

 (4) Members of the Riigikogu have one vote in the election of the President of the Riigikogu and one vote in the election of the Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu.

 (5) The candidate who receives more than one half of valid votes becomes the President of the Riigikogu. Where no candidate receives the required number of votes, an additional election round is held between the two candidates who received the greatest number of votes. In the event that two candidates receive an equal number of votes, the winner is selected by lot. Where a sole candidate is nominated for the election of the President of the Riigikogu, the sole candidate is elected provided more votes are cast in favour of them than against.

 (6) The candidate who receives the greatest number of votes becomes the First Vice President of the Riigikogu. The candidate who receives the second greatest number of votes becomes the Second Vice President of the Riigikogu. In the event that two candidates receive an equal number of votes, an additional election round is held between those two candidates.

§ 8.  Commencement of mandate of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

  The mandates of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu commence after the election results are announced or after challenges to those results are resolved.

Division 2 Termination of mandate of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu 

§ 9.  Grounds for termination of mandate of President and Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

 (1) The mandate of the President of the Riigikogu is terminated:
 1) when the new President of the Riigikogu is elected or when the mandate of the Riigikogu expires;
 2) during the mandate of the Riigikogu, when their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is terminated;
 3) when their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is suspended due to being appointed member of the Government of the Republic;
 4) when they resign the office.

 (2) The mandate of a Vice President of the Riigikogu is terminated:
 1) when new Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are elected or when the mandate of the Riigikogu expires;
 2) during the mandate of the Riigikogu, when their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is terminated;
 3) when their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is suspended due to being appointed member of the Government of the Republic;
 4) when they resign the office.

§ 10.  Resignation of President of Riigikogu

 (1) The President of the Riigikogu may resign at their own request, announcing their resignation and the reasons for the resignation at a sitting of the Riigikogu.

 (2) When the President of the Riigikogu announces their resignation, they continue to perform the duties of the President duties until the new President of the Riigikogu is elected.

§ 11.  Resignation of Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

 (1) A Vice President of the Riigikogu resigns:
 1) at their own request;
 2) when the mandate of the President of the Riigikogu is terminated in the case prescribed in clause 2, 3 or 4 of subsection 1 of § 9 of this Act;
 3) when the mandate of one of the Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu is terminated in the case prescribed in clause 2 or 3 of subsection 2 of § 9 or clause 1 of this subsection of this Act.

 (2) When a Vice President of the Riigikogu resigns at their own request, they announce the resignation and the reasons for the resignation at a sitting of the Riigikogu.

 (3) After their resignation, the Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu continue to perform their duties until the new President or new Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are elected.

Chapter 3 BOARD OF RIIGIKOGU 

§ 12.  Membership of Board of Riigikogu

  The Board of the Riigikogu consists of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu.

§ 13.  Tasks of Board of Riigikogu

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu is a collegial management body that arranges the work of the Riigikogu and ensures administration of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu:
 1) arranges representation of the Riigikogu and, where necessary, establishes general guidelines concerning international official missions of members of the Riigikogu;
 2) determines the number of members of the standing committees of the Riigikogu and the number of positions that are allocated for parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu in the standing committees, appoints to standing committees members of the Riigikogu who do not belong to any parliamentary group, approves the membership of the standing committees and any changes in the membership and, where necessary, establishes general guidelines concerning the work arrangements and spheres of competence of the committees;
 21) determines the number of members in the select committees, committees of investigation and study committees of the Riigikogu, having regard to the provisions of the resolutions specified in §§ 19–21 of this Act, and approves the composition of those committees and any changes in their composition;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 3) registers the parliamentary groups and any changes in the membership of the parliamentary groups;
 4) opens proceedings on bills and draft resolutions and designates lead committees for those bills and draft resolutions;
 41) transmits proposed European Union legislation submitted to the Riigikogu to the European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee, designates the standing committees which are to provide an opinion on such legislation, and determines the time by which the opinion is to be provided;
 5) decides the holding of an additional sitting of the Riigikogu and prepares the agenda for the additional sitting;
 6) makes proposals to the Riigikogu to establish the working schedule of the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu;
 61) in the case of compelling reasons, decides to hold a remote-participation sitting of the Riigikogu;
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]
 62) establishes the requirements and rules for holding a remote-participation sitting of the Riigikogu;
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]
 7) prepares the agenda for the working week of the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu and, in accordance with this Act, includes items in the agenda of its own motion, grants permission for visitors of the Riigikogu to make political statements and sets the time for the making of such statements;
 8) establishes the procedure for making verbatim records and taking minutes of the sittings of the Riigikogu;
 9) decides on changing the time at which documents that serve as the basis for deliberation of agenda items are made available to members of the Riigikogu;
 10) establishes the rules of legislative drafting for bills and draft resolutions;
 11) in the case prescribed in subsection 1 of § 132 of this Act, determines the time-limit for the nomination of candidates for the office of Prime Minister and the order of appearance of those candidates;
 12) sets the order of questions for Question Time;
 13) determines the duration of deliberations on matters of significant national importance, the presenters of such matters and the time allocated for questions and for comments;
 14) [repealed – RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]
 15) decides the sending of members of the Riigikogu on official missions and establishes the conditions and extent of and rules for the reimbursement of expenses related to such missions, as well as the conditions and extent of and rules for the reimbursement of expenses provided in § 30 and subsection 2 of § 31 of the Status of Members of the Riigikogu Act;
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]
 151) establishes the procedure for the classification of documents of the Riigikogu and of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu as documents intended for internal use only, and for using such documents;
 152) establishes the conditions and extent of and rules for the reimbursement to the members of the XI Riigikogu of expenses provided in subsection 1 of § 31 of the Status of Members of the Riigikogu Act;
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]
 16) establishes the organisational structure of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu and establishes the salary rates for employment positions in the Chancellery of the Riigikogu;
 17) by way of public competition, appoints to office the Secretary General of the Riigikogu;
 18) decides on the procedural issues not regulated in this or any other Act;
 19) discusses questions put to it by the President of the Riigikogu;
 20) where necessary, convenes the representatives of parliamentary groups in order to hear their positions on issues relating to the organisation of the work of the Riigikogu;
 201) approves the rules for maintaining the archives of the Riigikogu;
 21) arranges the work of the Riigikogu in other respects.

§ 14.  Duties of President of Riigikogu

 (1) The President of the Riigikogu represents the Riigikogu and presides over the work of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The President of the Riigikogu:
 1) convenes sittings of the Board of the Riigikogu and chairs those sittings;
 2) convenes the first sitting of a committee of the Riigikogu;
 3) convenes additional sittings of the Riigikogu;
 4) convenes extraordinary sessions of the Riigikogu;
 5) makes proposals to the Riigikogu to amend its agenda, sets the time for taking the oath of office and agrees, with the President of the Republic or the ministers, the time for the making of political statements by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister or ministers;
 6) when weighty reasons speak for this, designates a place for holding a sitting of the Riigikogu that is different from the one prescribed in this Act;
 7) invites to participate in sittings of the Riigikogu persons who do not have this right by virtue of their office;
 8) grants permission to shoot footage at and make video recordings of Riigikogu sittings and to broadcast the sittings over television or radio, or to take photographs at the sittings;
 9) provides an overview of the proceedings of closed sittings of the Riigikogu through the media and grants permission to access the verbatim records of closed sittings;
 10) presides over the sittings of the Riigikogu and ensures order in the session hall and the galleries during the sittings;
 11) transmits bills to the Government of the Republic for an opinion;
 12) decides the setting of a time-limit that is different from the established time-limit for the submission of motions to amend a bill or draft resolution;
 13) signs passed Acts and resolutions of the Riigikogu;
 14) performs the duties of the President of the Republic in the cases prescribed in § 83 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia;
 15) perform other duties provided by Acts.

§ 15.  Duties of Vice Presidents of Riigikogu

 (1) A Vice President of the Riigikogu performs the duties of the President of the Riigikogu in the latter’s absence, or when the mandate of the President is suspended due to them performing the duties of the President of the Republic, and in other cases in accordance with the rules established by the President of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016]

 (2) The Vice President of the Riigikogu who performs the duties of the President of the Riigikogu is to perform the duties of the President of the Republic when the President of the Riigikogu is temporarily unable to perform their duties because of illness or another impediment.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 16.  Work arrangements of Board of Riigikogu

 (1) Sittings of the Board of the Riigikogu are convened by the President of the Riigikogu as and when needed. The President announces the time of and agenda for a sitting in a timely manner.

 (2) Sittings of the Board of the Riigikogu are chaired by the President of the Riigikogu.

 (3) Sittings of the Board of the Riigikogu may be attended by members of the Riigikogu and by persons invited by the President of the Riigikogu.

 (4) The Board of the Riigikogu may pass a resolution only after considering the opinion of all its members. A resolution of the Board of the Riigikogu is passed by the consensus of the members present. Where the consensus is not reached, a member of the Board of the Riigikogu may put the issue to the vote at a sitting of the Riigikogu without including it in the agenda.

 (5) Unless otherwise provided in this Act, a resolution of the Board of the Riigikogu becomes effective upon its passing.
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]

 (6) Minutes are taken of the sittings of the Board of the Riigikogu. The minutes set out the time at which the sitting begins and ends, the place where the sitting is held, the names and positions of the persons participating in the sitting, the agenda for the sitting and the resolutions passed. At the request of the person speaking, the positions expressed by them are recorded in the minutes. The minutes are signed by the chair of the sitting and the secretary.

Chapter 4 COMMITTEES OF RIIGIKOGU 

Division 1 Types of committees of Riigikogu, rules for their formation and their competence 

§ 17.  Types of committees

  The Riigikogu has standing committees, select committees, committees of investigation and study committees.

§ 18.  Standing committees

 (1) The Riigikogu has the following standing committees:
 1) the European Union Affairs Committee;
 2) the Environment Committee;
 3) the Cultural Affairs Committee;
 4) the Rural Affairs Committee;
 5) the Economic Affairs Committee;
 6) the Constitutional Committee;
 7) the Finance Committee;
 8) the National Defence Committee;
 9) the Social Affairs Committee;
 10) the Foreign Affairs Committee;
 11) the Legal Affairs Committee.

 (2) Standing committees of the Riigikogu prepare bills and draft resolutions for deliberations in the Riigikogu plenary, oversee the exercise of executive power within their particular field and perform other duties assigned to the committees by Acts or resolutions of the Riigikogu.

 (3) The European Union Affairs Committee and, in matters which concern the common foreign and security policy of the European Union, the Foreign Affairs Committee, in co-operation with other standing committees of the Riigikogu, develop the position of the Riigikogu on proposed European Union legislation and provide their opinion, while the European Union Affairs Committee also provides its position, concerning other affairs of the European Union, and oversee the work of the Government of the Republic in implementing European Union policy.
[RT II, 14.09.2012, 1– entry into force 15.09.2012]

§ 19.  Select committees

 (1) The Riigikogu forms select committees in accordance with Acts, as well as in order to perform duties arising from Acts or international treaties.

 (2) A select committee is formed by a resolution of the Riigikogu that determines the tasks of the committee, the rules for reporting on the activities of the committee and the principle governing the formation of its membership.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) The Riigikogu may delegate the performance of the duties specified in subsection 1 of this section to a standing committee.

§ 20.  Committees of investigation

 (1) The Riigikogu may form committees of investigation in order to investigate the circumstances of events of public interest.

 (2) A committee of investigation is formed by a resolution of the Riigikogu that determines the tasks of the committee, the term of the mandate of the committee and the principle governing the formation of its membership.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) The committee of investigation presents to the Riigikogu an interim report on its work at least once a year and, upon the termination of its work, presents a final report.

§ 21.  Study committees

 (1) The Riigikogu may form study committees in order to analyse problems of considerable importance.

 (2) A study committee is formed by a resolution of the Riigikogu that determines the tasks of the committee, the term of the mandate of the committee and the principle governing the formation of its membership.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) Upon the termination of its work, the study committee presents to the Riigikogu a report on the work.

§ 22.  Rights of committees

 (1) A committee of the Riigikogu has the right to:
 1) require the Government of the Republic, executive authorities of the State to present data necessary for the performance of its functions;
 2) require a member of the Government of the Republic to participate in a committee sitting in order to obtain information on matters within the powers of the member of the Government;
 3) invite officials of government authorities and other persons to participate in a sitting of the committee in order to inform and advise the committee.

 (2) A committee of investigation has the right to summon persons to appear before the committee and to require the presentation of data and documents necessary for the performance of its duties. The summoned person is obligated to appear, provide explanations, and reply to questions. The data and documents requested by the committee have to be submitted by the date set by the committee.

§ 23.  Obstruction of work of committee of investigation

 (1) Failure to appear before a committee of investigation without a valid reason following a summons from the committee, failure to present data or documents, or refusal to provide explanations or to reply to questions is punishable by a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The provisions of the Penal Code and of the Code of Misdemeanour Procedure apply to the misdemeanour established by subsection 1 of this section.

 (3) Proceedings in matters of the misdemeanour established by subsection 1 of this section are conducted by courts.

§ 231.  Committee reports

 (1) A committee of the Riigikogu may prepare a report for the purpose of analysing an issue that belongs to its area of authority or for oversight purposes. The committee appoints from among its members a rapporteur who ensures the preparation of the draft report and its submission to the committee for approval. At the same time, the committee also determines the time-limit for submitting the draft report to the committee.

 (2) A member of the committee may provide a reasoned dissenting opinion concerning a report; the opinion is annexed to the report.

 (3) The committee may submit the report to the Riigikogu for discussion following the provisions of § 153 of this Act.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

Division 2 Membership of committees of Riigikogu and convention of first sitting 

§ 24.  Affiliation of members to committees of Riigikogu

 (1) A member of the Riigikogu is affiliated to one of the standing committees of the Riigikogu listed in clauses 2–11 of subsection 1 of § 18 of this Act and may be affiliated to the European Union Affairs Committee, and to select committees, committees of investigation and study committees.

 (2) The President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu may not be affiliated to standing committees, with the exception of the European Union Affairs Committee, or be a substitute in such committees.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

§ 25.  Number of committee members

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu determines the number of members in any standing committees of the Riigikogu. The Board of the Riigikogu determines the number of members in select committees, committees of investigation and in study committees having regard to the principle governing the formation of the committee that is provided in the resolution establishing that committee.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) The European Union Affairs Committee has at least 15 members and must include at least one member from each of the standing committees listed in clauses 2–11 of subsection 1 of § 18 of this Act.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

§ 26.  Representation of parliamentary groups of Riigikogu in committees

 (1) The number of positions allocated to parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu on standing committees of the Riigikogu is proportional to the number of members in the parliamentary groups.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu determines the number of positions allocated to parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu in each committee.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) The members of the parliamentary group to serve on committees are appointed by the parliamentary group.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (4) A substitute member who is appointed by the parliamentary group may appear in a sitting of a committee as a substitute of a member who represents the parliamentary group in the committee.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 27.  Participation in standing committees of members of Riigikogu who do not belong to parliamentary groups

  Appointments of members of the Riigikogu who do not belong to a parliamentary group to serve on a standing committee of the Riigikogu are made by the Board of the Riigikogu considering the wishes of such members and the need to ensure effective work arrangements.

§ 28.  Approval of membership of standing committee

 (1) A parliamentary group of the Riigikogu decides the appointment of its members to committees of the Riigikogu within five working days as of the determination of the number of positions allocated to the parliamentary group. The parliamentary group is entitled to amend the decision it has made.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) The membership of the committees and any changes thereto are approved by the Board of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 29.  Convention and chairing of first sitting of committee

 (1) The President of the Riigikogu convenes the first sitting of a committee of the Riigikogu within three working days following approval of the membership of the committee.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) Until the chair and deputy chair of the committee are elected, the first sitting of the committee is chaired by the eldest member of the committee present.

Division 3 Chair and deputy chair of Riigikogu committee 

§ 30.  Election of chair and deputy chair of committee

 (1) The members of a Riigikogu committee elect the chair and deputy chair of the committee from among themselves at the first sitting of the committee. Where the mandate of the chair or deputy chair of the committee is terminated before the end of its term in the cases prescribed in clauses 2, 3, 4 or 5 of § 31 of this Act, an extraordinary election of the chair and deputy chair is held at the next sitting of the committee.

 (2) The chair and deputy chair of a committee are elected simultaneously.

 (3) Voting in the election of the chair and deputy chair of a committee takes place by secret ballot. A member of the committee has one vote.

 (4) The candidate who receives the greatest number of votes becomes the chair of the committee. The candidate who receives the second greatest number of votes becomes the deputy chair of the committee.

 (5) Where, due to the number of votes received being equal, no candidate is elected chair of the committee, an additional election round is held between the two candidates who received the equal number of votes. Where the number of votes received by the candidates remains equal even in the additional round, the winner of the election is decided by lot.

 (6) Where, due to the number of votes received being equal, no candidate is elected deputy chair of the committee, the election of the deputy chair is decided by lot.

§ 31.  Grounds for termination of mandate of chair and deputy chair of committee

  The mandate of the chair or deputy chair of a Riigikogu committee is terminated when:
 1) the mandate of the Riigikogu expires;
 2) their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is terminated;
 3) when their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is suspended due to being appointed member of the Government of the Republic;
 31) their mandate as a member of the Riigikogu is suspended in relation to taking care of a child or to temporary incapacity for work;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 32) they assume the duties of a member of another standing committee;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 4) they resign;
 5) they are removed from the office.

§ 32.  Resignation of chair and deputy chair of committee

 (1) The chair or deputy chair of a Riigikogu committee resigns:
 1) at their own request;
 2) upon the termination of the mandate of the chair or deputy chair of the committee, respectively, in the cases set out in clauses 2, 3 or 5 § 31 of this Act or in clause 1) of this subsection.

 (2) Where the chair or deputy chair of the committee resigns at their request, they announce their resignation and the reasons for that at a sitting of the committee.

 (3) Upon resignation, the chair and deputy chair of the committee continue to perform their duties until the new chair and deputy chair of the committee are elected.

§ 33.  Removal from office of chair or deputy chair of committee

 (1) At least one third of the members of a committee may initiate removal of the chair or deputy chair of the committee from their office.

 (2) Removal from the office may not be initiated where the chair and deputy chair of a committee have resigned and continue to perform their duties in accordance with subsection 3 of § 32 of this Act.

 (3) The proposal for removal from office is included in the agenda of the committee for the second sitting after the submission of the proposal unless the committee chair or deputy chair in respect of whom the proposal is submitted requests a speedier resolution.

 (4) The chair or deputy chair of the committee is deemed to have been removed from their office where more than one half of the members of the committee vote in favour of the proposal.

 (5) Removal from office may not be initiated again earlier than during the next regular session of the Riigikogu.

§ 34.  Duties of chair and deputy chair of committee

 (1) The chair of a Riigikogu committee represents the committee and presides over and arranges the work of the committee.

 (2) The chair of a committee:
 1) submits to the committee the work plan of the committee and the draft agenda for sittings of the committee;
 2) chairs the sittings of the committee;
 3) convenes extraordinary sittings of the committee;
 4) invites members of the Government of the Republic, officials from government authorities and other persons to participate in committee sittings.

 (3) The deputy chair of the committee performs the duties of the chair of the committee in the absence of the chair and in other cases following the rules established by the chair of the committee.

Division 4 Work arrangements in committees of Riigikogu 

§ 35.  Time of committee sittings

 (1) Regular sittings of committees of the Riigikogu are held at the hours prescribed in § 47 of this Act.

 (2) The chair of the committee convenes an extraordinary sitting of the committee on their own initiative or at the request of at least one third of the members of the committee.

§ 36.  Open and closed sittings of committees

 (1) Members of the Government of the Republic are entitled to participate and speak at committee sittings.

 (2) Representatives of state agencies and other persons may participate in committee sittings when invited by the chair of the committee.

 (21) The committee invites to participate in the discussion of a bill those interest groups that were invited to participate in the preparation of the bill and who wish to take part in discussing the bill.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (3) The committee may declare its sitting public where more than one half of the members of the committee vote in favour of this.

§ 37.  Quorum in committee sittings

 (1) In a regular sitting, the committee has a quorum provided at least one third of the members of the committee are present.

 (2) In an extraordinary sitting, the committee has a quorum provided more than one half of the members of the committee, including the chair or deputy chair of the committee, are present.

§ 38.  Rules for passing committee resolutions

 (1) The committee passes resolutions by a majority of votes in favour.

 (2) Where none of the members of the committee who participate in the sitting requests a vote, the decision in the matter is deemed to have been passed by consensus.

 (3) The Riigikogu may, in the resolution on the formation of a select committee, require certain issues to be decided without any votes against.
[RT I 2003, 90, 601 – entry into force 01.01.2004]

§ 39.  Minutes of committee sitting

 (1) Minutes are taken of the sittings of the committees of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The minutes record:
 1) the time at which the sitting begins and ends and the place of holding the sitting;
 2) the names and positions of the persons participating in the sitting;
 3) the agenda for the sitting and the resolutions passed;
 4) voting results.

 (3) The minutes must concisely reflect the progression of the sitting and the formation of any decisions or positions adopted at the sitting. The minutes do not reflect any national secrets, classified information of foreign states or the information specified in subsection 1 of § 35 of the Public Information Act.

 (4) The positions of the person speaking are summarized, and the results of any votes are recorded in the minutes by name.

 (5) The minutes are signed by the chair of the sitting and its secretary. The minutes are available to public after they have been signed.

 (6) The minutes are disclosed on the website of the Riigikogu immediately after they have been signed.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

Chapter 5 PARLIAMENTARY GROUPS 

§ 40.  Formation of parliamentary groups

 (1) A parliamentary group may be formed by and must comprise not less than five members of the Riigikogu who are elected from the list of candidates of a single political party. Members of the Riigikogu who are elected from the list of candidates of a single political party may only form one parliamentary group.

 (2) A member of the Riigikogu may belong to one parliamentary group only.

 (3) The parliamentary group elects from among its members a chair and a deputy chair; the chair or deputy chair may not at the same time be the President or a Vice President of the Riigikogu. Where the parliamentary group consists of more than 12 members, it is entitled to elect a second deputy chair.

§ 41.  Registration of parliamentary groups

 (1) The application to register a parliamentary group is submitted to the Board of the Riigikogu within five days after the first sitting of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The application to register a parliamentary group states the name of the parliamentary group, the names of the members of the Riigikogu who formed the parliamentary group and the names of the chair and deputy chairs of the parliamentary group. The application is signed by all members of the Riigikogu who formed the parliamentary group.

 (3) The name of the parliamentary group is the name of the political party that submitted the list of the candidates of the parliamentary group together with the word ‘ fraktsioon ’ [parliamentary group].

 (4) Parliamentary groups are registered by the Board of the Riigikogu.

§ 42.  Changes in membership of parliamentary groups

 (1) The admission of a new member is decided by the parliamentary group. The chair of the parliamentary group promptly submits to the Board of the Riigikogu the resolution of the parliamentary group together with the application of the member of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Members of the Riigikogu may leave their parliamentary group based on their applications that they submit to the Board of the Riigikogu.

 (3) The parliamentary group may expel a member of the Riigikogu from the fraction. The chair of the parliamentary group promptly submits the resolution of the parliamentary group to the Board of the Riigikogu.

 (4) Changes to the membership of parliamentary groups are registered by the Board of the Riigikogu.

Chapter 6 OTHER ASSOCIATIONS 

§ 43.  Other associations of members of Riigikogu and parliamentary groups

 (1) Members of the Riigikogu and parliamentary groups may form associations.

 (2) The chair of an association submits to the Board of the Riigikogu a notice that must indicate the name of the association, the objectives of its work and the names of the members the Riigikogu and the parliamentary groups who belong to the association.

Chapter 7 DELEGATIONS OF RIIGIKOGU 

§ 44.  Delegations of Riigikogu

 (1) The Riigikogu may form delegations of its members for the purpose of international communication.

 (2) A delegation is formed by a resolution of the Riigikogu for the term of the mandate of the Riigikogu. The members and, where necessary, substitute members of the delegation are appointed by a resolution of the Riigikogu.

 (3) At least once a year, the delegation presents a report concerning its work to the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Chapter 8 WORKING TIME OF RIIGIKOGU 

Division 1 Working time of Riigikogu during regular sessions of Riigikogu 

§ 45.  Regular sessions

 (1) Regular sessions of the Riigikogu are held from the second Monday of January to the third Thursday of June and from the second Monday of September to the third Thursday of December.

 (2) The numeration of the regular sessions begins with convening the new Riigikogu.

§ 46.  Working week and working cycle of plenary assembly

 (1) Any week during which regular sittings of the Riigikogu are held is a working week of the Riigikogu plenary assembly.

 (2) Three consecutive working weeks of the Riigikogu plenary assembly form a working cycle of the plenary assembly.

 (3) The week following the working cycle of the plenary assembly is allotted for members of the Riigikogu to work with their constituents and for the performance of duties assigned by the Riigikogu, committees or parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu and for other duties of members of the Riigikogu.

 (4) The last regular sitting of the Riigikogu is held not later than on the Thursday of the last but one week preceding the election day. No regular sittings of the Riigikogu are held from the election day until the election results are declared. Where the mandate of the Riigikogu is extended in the cases provided in § 131 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, regular sittings are also held during that period.

§ 47.  Working schedule of Riigikogu

 (1) The Riigikogu works according to the following schedule:
 1) Monday:
9:00–11:00 – work in parliamentary groups
11:00–13:00 – work in standing committees, with the exception of the European Union Affairs Committee
13:30–15:00 – work in the European Union Affairs Committee, select committees, committees of investigation and study committees
15:00–24:00 – sitting of the Riigikogu which begins by adoption of the agenda for the working week of the plenary assembly. When the agenda items have been dealt with, the time for unscheduled statements from members of the Riigikogu begins, to continue until no further requests for the floor are made, but not longer than up to 24.00;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 2) Tuesday:
9:00–10:00 – work in parliamentary groups
10:00–13:00 – the sitting of the Riigikogu
14:00 – work begins in standing committees, with the exception of the European Union Affairs Committee, and continues until all items on the agenda have been dealt with;
 3) Wednesday:
9: 00–12:00 – work in parliamentary groups
12:00–14:00 — Question Time
14:00 — the sitting of the Riigikogu begins and continues until all items on the agenda have been dealt with, but not for longer than until the beginning of the sitting on Thursday;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 4) Thursday:
10:00–13:00 – the sitting of the Riigikogu
14:00–16:00 – work in standing committees, with the exception of the European Union Affairs Committee
16:00 – work begins in select committees, committees of investigation and study committees;
 5) Friday:
10:00–11:00 – work in the Foreign Affairs Committee
11:00 – work begins in the European Union Affairs Committee and continues until all items on the agenda have been dealt with.
Members of the Riigikogu work with their constituencies, perform duties assigned by the Riigikogu, parliamentary groups or committees of the Riigikogu, or perform other duties of members of the Riigikogu.

 (2) At the proposal of the chair of the committee, a regular sitting of the committee may be scheduled for a time other than that provided in subsection 1 of this section provided the chair of the committee obtains the agreement of the members of the committee concerning the time of the sitting not later than at the first committee sitting of the working week.

 (3) The time of committee sittings specified in subsection (2) of this section may not overlap with the working time of other committees, parliamentary groups or the Riigikogu as provided in subsection 1 of this section.

 (4) At the proposal of the chair of the committee, regular sittings of the committee may be scheduled for any time outside the regular sessions provided the chair obtains the agreement of the members concerning the time of the sittings not later than at the last committee sitting of the regular session. The committee notifies this to the Board of the Riigikogu.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

 (5) [repealed – RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

§ 48.  Changing working schedule of Riigikogu

  The Riigikogu may, by a resolution adopted by a two-thirds majority of its members, change its working schedule, except in the case prescribed in clause 1 of subsection 1 of§ 47 of this Act.

§ 49.  Additional sittings of Riigikogu

 (1) Additional sittings of the Riigikogu may be held outside the working schedule provided in § 47 of this Act.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu decides the holding of an additional sitting and prepares the agenda for the additional sitting.

 (3) The additional sitting of the Riigikogu is convened by the President of the Riigikogu. The President notifies the members of the Riigikogu of convening the additional sitting through the media at least three days before holding of the additional sitting. In the case of compelling reasons, the time-limit for giving advance notice may be shorter.

Division 2 Extraordinary session of Riigikogu 

§ 50.  The time of extraordinary session of Riigikogu

  Extraordinary sessions of the Riigikogu may be held outside the time of regular sessions of the Riigikogu.

§ 51.  Convention of extraordinary sessions

 (1) Extraordinary sessions of the Riigikogu are convened by the President of the Riigikogu at the proposal of the President of the Republic, the Government of the Republic or at least one fifth of the members of the Riigikogu at the time and with the agenda requested by them.

 (2) The President of the Riigikogu notifies the members of the Riigikogu of convening the extraordinary session through the media.

§ 52.  Working schedule of extraordinary sessions

  The working schedule of the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu is established by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu by a majority of votes in favour.

Chapter 9 AGENDA 

§ 53.  Preparation of agenda

 (1) The agenda includes the list of issues to be deliberated by the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu and the date and order of their deliberation.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu prepares the agenda for the working week of plenary assembly on the basis of proposals from the committees and agreements reached with the addressees of interpellations concerning the provision of their replies. Where the inclusion of the item in the agenda is required under this Act, the Board of the Riigikogu includes the item in the agenda on its own initiative. The committees submit proposals concerning the agenda for the following working week of the plenary assembly by 15:00 on the Thursday of the current working week.

 (3) Items that were not deliberated during the previous working week of the plenary assembly are inserted at the top of the agenda for the new working week.

 (4) The agenda for the additional sitting of the Riigikogu is prepared by the Board of the Riigikogu.

 (5) The agenda for the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu is prepared by the presenters of the proposal to convene the extraordinary session.

§ 54.  Communication of agenda

 (1) The agenda of the next working week of the plenary assembly is communicated to members of the Riigikogu by the end of the working week of the plenary assembly.

 (2) The agenda of the additional sitting or extraordinary session of the Riigikogu is communicated to members of the Riigikogu together with the notice convening the additional sitting or extraordinary session.

 (3) After the agenda has been communicated, it may be amended only where none of the parliamentary groups oppose the motion, except in the cases prescribed in § 56 of this Act.

 (4) After the agenda has been communicated, bills or draft resolutions are removed from it at the motion of the initiator of the bill or draft resolution, the submitter of the bill or draft resolution, or the lead committee. Where there are two initiators or submitters, the motion to remove the bill or draft resolution from the agenda must be signed by both of the initiators or submitters. Where there are more than two initiators or submitters, the motion to remove must be signed by more than a half of the initiators or submitters.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 55.  Approval of agenda

 (1) The plenary assembly of the Riigikogu approves the agenda at the first sitting of the working week of the plenary assembly or at the beginning of the additional sitting. The agenda for the extraordinary session of the Riigikogu is not subject to approval.

 (2) Before approving the agenda, the Riigikogu may amend the agenda, taking into account the provisions of subsections 3 and 4 of § 54 of this Act.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) The Riigikogu may not remove from the agenda any item that it is required to deliberate in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or this Act.

§ 56.  Insertion of supplementary items in agenda

 (1) After the agenda of the working week of the plenary assembly or the agenda of the additional sitting of the Riigikogu has been approved, only the following items may be inserted in it:
 1) granting the candidate for Prime Minister the authority to form the Government of the Republic, to be inserted for deliberation within 14 days following the designation of the candidate by the President of the Republic or after the expiry of the term for the nomination of candidates;
 2) the motion to express no confidence in the Government of the Republic, the Prime Minister, or any other minister, to be inserted for deliberation not earlier than on the second day after its initiation, unless the Government of the Republic requires the motion to be decided sooner;
 3) an Act of the Riigikogu which the President of the Republic has refused to promulgate and which has been returned to the Riigikogu for renewed deliberation and decision, to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
 4) a bill to approve or repeal a decree of the President of the Republic, to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
 5) the declaration of the state of emergency, or to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
 6) the declaration of the state of war, mobilisation or demobilisation, and decisions related to increasing the level of defence readiness, to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016]
 7) a proposal from the Chancellor of Justice to bring an Act or a resolution of the Riigikogu into conformity with the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or an Act, to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
 8) the grant of consent to bring criminal charges against a public official, to be inserted for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
 9) a political statement by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, or other ministers, to be presented at the time agreed upon by the President of the Riigikogu and the submitter of the statement;
 10) a political statement by a guest of the Riigikogu, to be presented at the time determined by the Board of the Riigikogu;
 11) the oath of office, to be taken at the time determined by the President of the Riigikogu;
 12) a draft resolution related to ensuring the financial stability of a foreign state, of the euro area or of a member state of the euro area, or to the prevention or resolution of the financial crisis specified in the State Budget Act, to be introduced for deliberation at the earliest opportunity;
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]
 13) [repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

 (2) Items are included in the agenda at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu.

Chapter 10 SITTINGS OF RIIGIKOGU 

Division 1 General Rules 

§ 57.  Place of holding of sittings

 (1) A sitting of the Riigikogu is held in Tallinn in the sittings hall of the Toompea Castle, unless the President of the Riigikogu, in the presence of compelling reasons, designates another place for holding the sitting.
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

 (2) When the Board of the Riigikogu so decides, a remote-participation sitting of the Riigikogu provided for in § 891 of this Act may be held by electronic means at a location specified in subsection 1 of this section or without a physical location.
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

§ 58.  Participants in sittings

 (1) The right to enter the session hall of the Riigikogu and attend the sitting is reserved to Members of the Riigikogu, the President of the Republic, members of the Government of the Republic, the Chancellor of Justice, the Auditor General, the State Secretary, civil servants the performance of whose duties require entry or attendance during the sitting of the plenary assembly, as well as any persons whom the President of the Riigikogu has invited to participate in the sitting.

 (2) Member of the Riigikogu have permanent seats in the session hall. Seats are also reserved in the session hall for the President of the Republic and members of the Government of the Republic.

§ 59.  Access to sittings

 (1) Sittings of the Riigikogu are public.

 (2) Sittings may be observed from the gallery of the session hall.

 (3) The permission of the President of the Riigikogu is required to shoot footage at and make video recordings of Riigikogu sittings and to broadcast the sittings over television or radio, or to take photographs at the sittings.

§ 60.  Closed sittings

 (1) The Riigikogu may declare a sitting closed by a two-thirds majority.

 (2) The declaration of the sitting being closed is decided separately with regard to each item on the agenda.

 (3) An overview of the proceedings at a closed sitting is provided to the public through the media by the President of the Riigikogu.

§ 61.  Verbatim records, minutes and transmissions of sittings

 (1) Verbatim records are made and minutes are taken of the sittings of the Riigikogu in accordance with the rules established by the Board of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Verbatim records of the sittings are open to the public. Access to the verbatim records of closed sittings is reserved to the persons listed in subsection 58 (1) of this Act. Other persons may access the verbatim records of closed sittings with the permission of the President of the Riigikogu.

 (3) Public sittings of the Riigikogu are transmitted to the enclosed premises of the Riigikogu.

§ 62.  Time of making documents available

  Documents that serve as the basis for deliberating items on the agenda are made available to members of the Riigikogu not later than by 17:00 on the last but one working day preceding the sitting day on which the matter is to be deliberated, unless otherwise provided in the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or this Act or unless the Board of the Riigikogu decides otherwise.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

Division 2 Procedure for holding sittings of Riigikogu 

§ 63.  Chair of sitting

 (1) A sitting of the Riigikogu is chaired by the President or Vice President of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Where the President or a Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu are unable to chair the sitting, the sitting is chaired by the eldest member of the Riigikogu present.

§ 64.  Opening and closing of sittings

 (1) The sittings of the Riigikogu are opened and closed by the chair.

 (2) The sitting may not be closed before the current proceeding (the making of a report, the comment, the putting of a question or replying to the question, the voting of an amendment motion, the final vote, or any other proceedings) comes to an end.

 (3) In the case prescribed in § 134 of this Act, the sitting may not be closed before deciding on the agenda item.

§ 65.  Recess

  The chair of the sitting may declare a recess of up to 30 minutes.

§ 66.  Maintenance of order during sittings

  During the sitting of the Riigikogu, the chair of the sitting ensures order in the session hall and galleries.

§ 67.  Reports

  Where a report is to be made under an item in the agenda, it is delivered from the rostrum in the session hall and its duration is limited to 20 minutes, unless otherwise provided in this Act. With the agreement of the presenter, the chair of the sitting may extend the time for making the report.

§ 68.  Oral questions

 (1) In the cases prescribed in this Act, members of the Riigikogu may ask oral questions.

 (2) Where a member of the Riigikogu wishes to ask a question, they must register for this. The permission to ask questions is granted by the chair of the sitting according to the order of registration.

 (3) The time for asking the question is limited to one minute.

§ 69.  Comment

 (1) In the cases provided in this Act, members of the Riigikogu may present comments.

 (2) Where a member of the Riigikogu wishes to present a comment, they must register for this. The permission to present a comment is granted by the chair of the sitting according to the order of registration.

 (3) A comment is presented from the rostrum of the session hall (a speech) or from the floor.

 (4) Where the chair of the sitting wishes to present a comment, they must delegate the chairing of the sitting for that time and speak from the rostrum.

 (5) Unless otherwise provided in this Act, speeches are limited to five minutes and comments from the floor to two minutes. At the request of the person speaking, the chair of the sitting may allot an additional three minutes for the speech.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

§ 70.  Retorts

 (1) Where the person of a member of the Riigikogu or the positions contained in their comment are referred to in another comment, the chair of the sitting may grant the member of the Riigikogu concerned permission to retort.

 (2) In the course of the deliberation of one agenda item, the chair of the sitting may only grant permission to the member of the Riigikogu to retort once.

 (3) A retort is limited to two minutes.

§ 71.  Right to speak of members of the Government of Republic and of Chancellor of Justice

 (1) Members of the Government of the Republic and the Chancellor of Justice have the right to present comments.

 (2) The chair of the sitting grants permission for the presentation of a comment, where possible taking into consideration the wishes of the member of the Government of the Republic or the Chancellor of Justice.

§ 72.  Rights of chair of sitting in conducting deliberation of agenda items

 (1) Where a report, comment or question exceeds the allotted time, the chair of the sitting demands that the report, comment or question be brought to a close. Where the person making a report, presenting a comment or asking a question deviates from the agenda item, the chair demands a return to the item. Where the demand of the chair is ignored, the chair cuts off the report, comment or question by switching off the microphone.

 (11) Where the person making the report, presenting a comment or asking a question uses improper expressions, the chair of the sitting admonishes them. Where the chair’s reminder is ignored, the chair cuts off the report, comment or question by switching off the microphone.
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]

 (2) When everyone who wished to speak have been given the floor or when the chair of the sitting finds that the item on the agenda has been covered adequately, they move that comments be deemed concluded. Where a member of the Riigikogu contests the motion of the chair, the matter of whether to deem comments concluded is decided by a vote.

§ 73.  Impossibility of deliberation of agenda item

 (1) The chair of the sitting does not open the deliberation of an agenda item where the documents that serve as the basis for the deliberation of the item have not been made available to the members of the Riigikogu in time or where the presenter is not present at the deliberation of the item.

 (2) In the case prescribed in subsection 1 of this section, the deliberation is deferred to the following working week.

§ 74.  Protests and questions concerning points of order

 (1) Where a member of the Riigikogu finds that the rules governing the conduct of the sitting are being infringed, they may submit a protest to the chair of the sitting.

 (2) Where a member of the Riigikogu wishes to raise a point of order, they may ask a question of the chair of the sitting.

 (3) The member of the Riigikogu who wishes to submit a protest or ask a question of the chair indicates this by raising their hand. The chair of the sitting grants permission to submit the protest or ask the question without including it in the agenda.

 (4) The chair of the sitting resolves the protest or replies to the question without delay.

§ 75.  Transmission of communications

  Communications to members, committees and parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu are transmitted by the chair of the sitting. The text of the communication is submitted to the chair in writing.

Division 3 Voting in sittings of Riigikogu 

Subdivision 1 General Rules 

§ 76.  Quorum of Riigikogu

  At additional sittings and during extraordinary sessions, the Riigikogu has a quorum where more than one half of its members are present.

§ 77.  Attendance check of members of Riigikogu

 (1) The quorum of the Riigikogu is verified by checking the attendance of the members of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The attendance of members of the Riigikogu is checked at the beginning of the sitting of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) During an additional sitting or extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, attendance is also checked before any other votes where this is requested by a member of the Riigikogu.

§ 78.  Required majority

  The Riigikogu makes its decisions by a majority of votes in favour, unless otherwise prescribed in the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or this Act.

§ 79.  Public and secret votes

 (1) Voting at the sittings of the Riigikogu is public.

 (2) Voting by secret ballot takes place only in the following cases:
 1) election of the President of the Republic;
 2) election of the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu;
 3) appointment to office of the Chief Justice and justices of the Supreme Court;
 4) appointment to office of the Auditor General;
 5) appointment to office of the Chancellor of Justice and the Deputy Chancellor of Justice-Adviser;
 6) appointment to office of the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Eesti Pank and appointment of members to the Supervisory Board of the Eesti Pank.
 7) [repealed – RT I, 08.07.2011, 8 – entry into force 22.07.2011]

§ 80.  Voting in person

  Members of the Riigikogu vote in person.

§ 81.  Methods of voting

 (1) An electronic voting system is employed for voting.

 (2) In the election of the President of the Republic and the President and Vice Presidents of the Riigikogu, ballot papers are used for voting.

 (3) Where it is not possible to use the electronic voting system, voting takes place by a show of hands or, where this Act prescribes a secret vote, by ballot.

 (4) Where, at a remote-participation sitting of the Riigikogu, it is not possible to vote using the electronic voting system or hand-raising, members may vote by any other method that has been approved by the chair.
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

§ 82.  Competence of National Electoral Committee and voting committee in voting arrangements

 (1) In the cases prescribed in subsection 2 of § 81 of this Act, voting is arranged, the voting results are ascertained and any related protests are resolved by the National Electoral Committee.

 (2) In the situations prescribed in subsections 3 and 4 of § 81 of this Act, voting is arranged, the voting results are ascertained and any related protests are resolved by the voting committee which includes one representative from each parliamentary group of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

Subdivision 2 Voting using electronic voting system 

§ 83.  Voting procedure

 (1) Two minutes before the vote, the chair of the sitting notifies the members of the Riigikogu of the vote by sounding a signal that is transmitted throughout the enclosed premises of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) The chair or deputy chair of a standing committee or parliamentary group may demand a recess of up to 10 minutes before the vote.

 (3) Immediately before the vote, the chair of the sitting clearly states the matter that is being put to the vote and assures themselves that all members of the Riigikogu understand it unambiguously.

 (4) The chair of the sitting confirms the decision to put the matter to the vote by a stroke of the gavel.

 (5) Before the voting results are ascertained, no one in the session hall is allowed to express themselves aloud.

§ 84.  Suspension of voting

 (1) Where the voting procedure is infringed during voting or where a member of the Riigikogu is unable to vote due to a technical failure in their voting console, the chair of the sitting suspends the vote and confirms that decision by a stroke of the gavel.

 (2) Members of the Riigikogu indicate the impediment specified in subsection 1 of this section by raising their hand.

§ 85.  Announcement of voting results

 (1) The chair of the sitting announces voting results and confirms them by a stroke of the gavel.

 (2) Once confirmed, the voting results may not be contested.

Subdivision 3 Voting by ballot 

§ 86.  Preparation for voting

 (1) Where necessary, the chair of the sitting declares a recess in order for ballot papers to be prepared.

 (2) The ballot paper shows the names of the candidates in the order of their nomination, or boxes containing the choices ‘ poolt ’ [in favour], ‘ vastu ’ [against] and ‘ erapooletu ’ [abstaining].

 (3) After the ballot papers have been prepared, the chair of the sitting declares the recess ended.

 (4) Before the vote is announced, the National Electoral Committee or the voting committee examines and seals the ballot box. Thereafter, the chair of the sitting explains the voting procedure to the members of the Riigikogu.

 (5) The vote is announced by the chair of the sitting.

§ 87.  Voting procedure

 (1) The National Electoral Committee or the voting committee provides members of the Riigikogu with a ballot paper by reference to the roll of the members of the Riigikogu. Members of the Riigikogu must present their identity document. Members of the Riigikogu confirm the receipt of the ballot paper with their signature.

 (2) Members of the Riigikogu complete the ballot paper in the voting booth. Members mark the ballot paper with a cross in the box next to the name of the candidate in favour of whom they wish to vote or to the answer that they favour. Where the ballot paper only shows the name of one candidate, members put a cross in the box marked
poolt ’ [in favour] or ‘ vastu ’ [opposed] on the ballot paper.

 (3) After completing the ballot paper, members of the Riigikogu place it in the ballot box.

 (4) Where a member of the Riigikogu spoils their ballot paper before placing it in the ballot box, they are entitled to obtain a new ballot paper from the voting committee. The member must return the spoiled ballot paper to the National Electoral Committee or the voting committee.

 (5) The chair of the sitting declares the vote closed 30 minutes after the vote was announced.

§ 88.  Ascertaining and announcing of voting results

 (1) Votes are counted publicly after the voting has ended.

 (2) Ballot papers on which more than one box is marked or on which no box is marked are deemed to be invalid.

 (3) The National Electoral Committee or the voting committee draws up a report concerning the voting results.

 (4) The chair of the sitting announces the voting results.

§ 89.  Contestation of voting results

 (1) A member of the Riigikogu may submit to the National Electoral Committee or the voting committee a protest concerning the voting arrangements or the voting results.

 (2) A protest concerning the voting arrangements is submitted promptly after the voting has ended. A protest concerning the voting results is submitted promptly after the announcement of those results.

 (3) The National Electoral Committee or the voting committee resolves the protest without delay.

Division 4 Remote-Participation Sitting of Riigikogu 
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

§ 891.  Holding remote-participation sitting of Riigikogu

 (1) In the presence of compelling reasons, the Board of the Riigikogu may decide to hold a remote-participation sitting.

 (2) A remote-participation sitting means a sitting of the Riigikogu in which members can participate by electronic means without being physically present at the sitting.

 (3) A remote-participation sitting may be held, provided members of the Riigikogu are guaranteed the possibility of observing the sitting in real time from a remote location, of carrying out the operations of the sitting (submitting a bill, asking an oral question, making a comment, submitting a protest, voting, and carrying out other operations) and of providing notification of any impediment to such operations.

 (4) At a remote-participation sitting, the chair, when applying the provisions of this Act that govern the holding of a sitting, allows for special rules that are necessary in order to hold a remote-participation sitting and that do not prevent members of the Riigikogu from exercising their rights.

 (5) Where impediments are present that do not allow a remote-participation sitting to be held, the chair suspends the sitting until such impediments have been eliminated.

 (6) Where participation by a member of the Riigikogu in a remote-participation sitting is impeded by reasons beyond the control of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu, the chair of the sitting may decide to continue the sitting with the members who can participate in it.

 (7) The President of the Riigikogu notifies the holding of a remote-participation sitting of the Riigikogu to members of the Riigikogu through mass media at least three days before holding the sitting. In the case of compelling reasons, the time-limit for giving advance notice may be shorter.
[RT I, 02.06.2020, 2 – entry into force 12.06.2020]

Chapter 11 PROCEEDINGS CONCERNING BILLS AND DRAFT RESOLUTIONS OF RIIGIKOGU 

Division 1 Initiation of Acts. Submission of draft resolutions of Riigikogu 

§ 90.  Right to initiate Acts and submit draft resolutions of Riigikogu

 (1) The right to initiate Acts and submit draft resolutions of the Riigikogu is vested in the following:
 1) members of the Riigikogu;
 2) parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu;
 3) committees of the Riigikogu;
 4) the Government of the Republic.

 (2) The bill to approve or repeal a decree of the President of the Republic is submitted to the Riigikogu by the President of the Republic together with the respective decree.

 (3) The body that has the right to make recommendations or proposals to the Riigikogu in the cases prescribed in clauses 11 and 17 of § 78, subsection 1 of § 128 and subsection 1 of § 129 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia presents the recommendation or proposal as a draft resolution of the Riigikogu.

§ 91.  Delivery of bills and draft resolutions

 (1) Bills and draft resolutions are delivered to the chair of the sitting of the Riigikogu from the rostrum in the session hall before the beginning of deliberation of the matters in the agenda. The presenter may take up to two minutes to introduce the bill or draft resolution.

 (2) Where a bill on which the Riigikogu has not opened proceedings is entered in the agenda of an extraordinary session of the Riigikogu, the bill is delivered to the President of the Riigikogu together with the proposal to convene the extraordinary session.

 (3) Where the Government of the Republic requests the Board of the Riigikogu to hold an additional sitting of the Riigikogu for the deliberation of a bill or draft resolution on which the Riigikogu has not opened proceedings, the bill or draft resolution is delivered to the Board of the Riigikogu together with the respective request.
[RT II, 14.09.2012, 1– entry into force 15.09.2012]

§ 92.  Requirements for bills and draft resolutions

 (1) A bill or draft resolution must be formalised such as to conform to the rules of legislative drafting established by the Board of the Riigikogu.

 (2) A bill or draft resolution is signed by the initiator or submitter.

 (3) An explanatory memorandum that states the reasons for the initiation or submission of the bill or draft resolution is annexed to the bill or draft resolution.

 (4) Bills concerning international treaties are submitted together with the text of the agreement in the Estonian and in the foreign language. Where the language in which the authentic text of the international agreement is drawn up is a foreign language, an Estonian translation of the agreement is also submitted.

§ 93.  Decision on opening of proceedings on bill or draft resolution

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu decides the opening of proceedings on the bill or draft resolution within three working days as of the delivery of the bill or draft resolution.

 (2) When the Board of the Riigikogu decides to open proceedings on the bill or draft resolution, the Board also designates, from among the standing committees of the Riigikogu, the lead committee for the bill or draft resolution.

 (3) Where the Board of the Riigikogu finds that the bill or draft resolution does not comply with the requirements prescribed in § 92 of this Act, the Board returns the bill or draft resolution to the initiator or submitter without designating a lead committee.

 (4) The decisions prescribed in subsections 2 and 3 of this section are communicated to the members of the Riigikogu.

§ 94.  Opinion of Government of Republic on bills or draft resolutions

 (1) Any bill initiated by a member, parliamentary group or committee of the Riigikogu is transmitted by the President of the Riigikogu to the Government of the Republic for an opinion not later than on the working day following the day on which proceedings were opened on the bill or draft resolution. The President of the Riigikogu may also transmit other drafts to the Government of the Republic for an opinion.

 (2) The Government of the Republic presents its opinion to the lead committee in writing within five weeks following receipt of the draft.

 (3) The Government of the Republic may decline to present its opinion.

§ 95.  Withdrawal and abandonment of bill or draft resolution

 (1) The initiator or submitter of a bill or draft resolution is entitled to withdraw the bill or draft resolution at any time.

 (2) The initiator or submitter submits the declaration withdrawing the bill or draft resolution to the President of the Riigikogu in writing. Where there are two initiators or submitters, both of the initiators or submitters must sign the declaration withdrawing the bill or draft resolution. Where there are more than two initiators or submitters, the declaration withdrawing the bill or draft resolution must be signed by more than one half of the initiators or submitters.

 (3) In the case of a bill or draft resolution with several initiators or submitters, an initiator or submitter is entitled to abandon the bill or draft resolution provided that at least one initiator or submitter of the bill or draft resolution remains or, in the case of a bill to amend the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, provided at least 21 members of the Riigikogu remain. Abandonment does not cause the bill or resolution to be dropped from the proceedings. The person or body to abandon the bill or draft resolution submits the declaration concerning abandonment of the bill or draft resolution to the President of the Riigikogu in writing.

 (4) A bill or draft resolution that the Government of the Republic has declared to be a matter of confidence may not be withdrawn.

§ 96.  Dropping of bills and draft resolutions from proceedings upon expiry of mandate of Riigikogu

  Upon the expiry of the mandate of the Riigikogu, all bills and draft resolutions on which the proceedings were not completed during the mandate of the Riigikogu are dropped from the proceedings.

Division 2 First Reading of Bill or Draft Resolution 

§ 97.  Including first reading of bills or draft resolution in agenda

 (1) The first reading of a bill or draft resolution is included in the agenda on the motion of the lead committee.

 (2) The first reading of a bill or draft resolution must be completed within seven working weeks of the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu following the opening of proceedings on the bill or draft resolution.

§ 98.  Procedure for deliberation of bill or draft resolution at first reading

 (1) With the consent of the initiator or submitter, the lead committee may present an amended version of the bill or draft resolution for the first reading.

 (2) At the first reading of the bill or draft resolution, the general principles of the bill or draft resolution are debated.

 (3) The first reading commences with a report by the initiator or submitter of the bill or draft resolution, or by a representative of such body or person. This is followed by a report from a representative of the lead committee.

 (4) A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions.

 (5) At the first reading, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (6) Where the lead committee does not move to reject the bill or draft resolution or where none of the parliamentary groups moves to reject the bill or draft resolution in the course of the debate, the first reading of the bill or draft resolution is concluded without a vote.

§ 99.  Time-limit, conditions and procedure for submission of amendment motions

 (1) After the end of the first reading of a bill or draft resolution, members, committees and parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu may within 10 working days submit motions to amend the bill or draft resolution. At the proposal of the lead committee, the President of the Riigikogu may set a different time-limit for submission of amendment motions.

 (2) The time-limit for the submission of amendment motions is announced at the end of the first reading of the bill or draft resolution.

 (3) An amendment motion must contain a reference to the part of the bill or draft resolution to be amended and the exact wording of the desired amendment.

 (4) Amendment motions are submitted to the lead committee in writing. Amendment motions are signed by the submitters of the motion.

Division 3 Proceedings on bill or draft resolution in lead committee between first and second reading 

§ 100.  Consideration of amendment motions in lead committee

 (1) The lead committee considers all amendment motions submitted in compliance with the time-limit, conditions and procedure prescribed in § 99 of this Act and decides whether to incorporate them in the new version of the bill or draft resolution.

 (2) Before deciding on an amendment motion, the lead committee must allow its submitter to explain the motion.

 (3) An amendment motion may not be withdrawn where it has been incorporated in the new version of the bill or draft resolution by the lead committee.

§ 101.  New version of bill or draft resolution

 (1) For the second reading of the bill or draft resolution, the lead committee prepares a new version of the bill or draft resolution that includes all the amendment motions that the committee decided to incorporate in the version as well as the amendments made by the lead committee.

 (2) For the second reading, the lead committee may merge two or more bills or draft resolutions of the Riigikogu into a single text.

§ 102.  List of amendment motions

 (1) For the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the lead committee prepares a list of motions to amend the bill or draft resolution that sets out the wording of the motions in the order of the provisions of the bill or draft resolution, as well as the name of the submitter of the motion and the decision of the lead committee.

 (2) Amendment motions that are submitted by the same body or person and that are related in terms of their content are entered in the list of amendment motions as a single motion.

§ 103.  Explanatory memorandum of lead committee

  For the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the lead committee prepares an explanatory memorandum that provides information concerning the proceedings on the bill or draft resolution, such as the reasons to incorporate or to refuse to incorporate amendment motions, the positions of the initiator or submitter of the bill or draft resolution, and experts and other persons participating in the proceedings on the bill or draft resolution.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

Division 4 Second reading of bill or draft resolution 

§ 104.  Including second reading of bill or draft resolution in agenda

  The second reading of a bill or draft resolution is included in the agenda at the proposal of the lead committee.

§ 105.  Procedure for deliberation of bill or draft resolution at second reading

 (1) At the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the provisions of the bill or draft resolution are debated.

 (2) At the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, a report is made by a representative of the lead committee. The initiator or submitter or a representative of such a body or person makes a report where they so wish or where the lead committee so decides.

 (3) A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions.

 (4) At the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for members of the Riigikogu and representatives of the committees and parliamentary groups who wish to express their opinion to present comments.
[RT I 2004, 89, 607 – entry into force 07.01.2005]

§ 106.  Voting on amendment motions

 (1) Amendment motions are voted on after the debate has been concluded.

 (2) The chair of the sitting puts an amendment motion to the vote only where this is demanded by the submitter of the motion or by a committee or parliamentary group of the Riigikogu. An amendment motion that was not incorporated by the lead committee and that received less than two votes in favour is not put to the vote except in the case where the motion did not receive a single vote in favour or against.
[RT I, 06.03.2015, 25 – entry into force 16.03.2015]

 (3) Where an amendment motion receives more votes in favour than against, the amendment is incorporated in the text of the bill or draft resolution.

 (4) In the case of amendment motions that are mutually exclusive, the motion that receives the largest number of votes among the motions that received more votes in favour than against is incorporated in the text of the bill or draft resolution.

§ 107.  Suspension of second reading of bill or draft resolution

 (1) At the proposal of the Board of the Riigikogu, the lead committee or the initiator of the bill or draft resolution the Riigikogu suspends the second reading of the bill or draft resolution without a vote. A respective proposal made by a parliamentary group of the Riigikogu is put to the vote.

 (2) Where the second reading of a bill or draft resolution is suspended, motions to amend the bill or draft resolution may be submitted within the time-limit, under the conditions and in accordance with the rules provided in § 99 of this Act.

 (3) The second reading of a bill or draft resolution may be suspended only after the amendment motions have been voted on.

§ 108.  Conclusion of second reading of bill or draft resolution

  Where the Riigikogu does not suspend the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the second reading is deemed to have been concluded and the bill or draft resolution is passed on for the third reading.

§ 109.  Final vote on draft resolution of Riigikogu

  After the second reading has been concluded, a draft resolution of the Riigikogu may be put to the final vote.

Division 5 Third Reading of Bill or Draft Resolution 

§ 110.  Final version of bill or draft resolution and explanatory memorandum of lead committee

 (1) For the third reading of a bill or draft resolution, the lead committee prepares the final version of the text which includes the linguistic and technical rectifications made by the lead committee after the second reading was concluded.

 (2) For the third reading of a bill or draft resolution, the lead committee may prepare an explanatory memorandum that gives an overview of the proceedings on the bill or draft resolution after the end of the second reading.

§ 111.  Procedure for deliberation of bill or draft resolution at third reading and final vote

 (1) At the third reading of a bill or draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (2) At the third reading, a bill or draft resolution is put to the final vote.

Division 6 Final Proceedings 

§ 112.  Formalisation of passed Acts and resolutions of Riigikogu

  After the passing of the Act or resolution of the Riigikogu, the President of the Riigikogu or, in their absence the Vice President who chaired the sitting of the Riigikogu, signs the Act or resolution not later than on the fifth working day following the passing.

§ 1121.  Entry into force of resolution of Riigikogu

  A resolution of the Riigikogu enters into force when it is signed unless another time of entry into force is provided in the resolution.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

Division 7 Renewal of deliberations on Acts which President of the Republic refused to promulgate 

§ 113.  Inclusion in agenda of Act which President of the Republic refused to promulgate

  An Act which the President of the Republic refuses to promulgate and which is returned to the Riigikogu for renewal of deliberations and for decision is included in the agenda at the earliest opportunity by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu.

§ 114.  Procedure for renewed deliberation of Act which President of the Republic refused to promulgate

 (1) In the course of the renewed deliberation of an Act which the President of the Republic refused to promulgate, reports are made by a representative of the Constitutional Committee and a representative of the committee that served as the lead committee for the bill when it was the subject of proceedings in the Riigikogu. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter.

 (2) In the course of the renewed deliberation of the Act, the floor is opened for debate for members of the Riigikogu and representatives of committees and parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu who wish to express their opinions concerning the motives why the Act was not proclaimed to present comments.

 (3) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts to the vote the matter of renewed passage, without amendments, of the Act that was returned to the Riigikogu by the President of the Republic.

 (4) An Act which is returned to the Riigikogu by the President of the Republic is deemed to have been passed again, without amendments, where it is supported by the majority that was required at its initial passage.

 (5) Where the Riigikogu does not pass again, without amendments, the Act that was returned to the Riigikogu by the President of the Republic, further proceedings of the Act are conducted in accordance with §§ 99–108 and 110–112 of this Act. The committee that served as the lead committee for the bill when it was the subject of proceedings in the Riigikogu is the lead committee.

Division 8 Special Proceedings on Bills and Draft Resolutions 

§ 115.  Special rules for proceedings on bills concerning international treaties

  Bills concerning international treaties are deliberated in two readings unless the lead committee moves to conduct a third reading. The final vote on the bill is conducted at the second reading after the amendment motions have been voted on.

§ 116.  Special rules for proceedings on bills to approve or repeal decrees of President of the Republic

 (1) Bills to approve or repeal decrees of the President of the Republic are deliberated in a single reading.

 (2) No lead committee is appointed for bills to approve or repeal decrees of the President of the Republic. The bill is included in the agenda at the earliest opportunity by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu.

 (3) In the course of the reading of the bill to approve or repeal a decree of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister makes a report. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question to the presenter.

 (4) At the reading of the bill, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu to present comments.

 (5) Motions to amend the bill may be submitted in the course of the debate. After the debate is concluded, the amendment motions are put to the vote. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.

§ 117.  Special rules for proceedings on draft resolutions of Riigikogu concerning appointment to or release from office of public officials, appointment of members of supervisory boards and formation of delegations of Riigikogu

  [RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (1) Draft resolutions of the Riigikogu concerning the appointment to or release from office of public officials, appointment of members of supervisory boards and formation of delegations of the Riigikogu are deliberated in a single reading. Proceedings on the draft resolutions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Subchapters 2 and 3 of this Chapter based on the special rules prescribed in this section.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) Where the draft resolution is submitted by a body whose right to make the proposal is arising from the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or any Act, no motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted. In other cases, when opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets a time-limit for the submission of amendment motions. Amendment motions may be submitted only by parliamentary groups.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (3) In the course of the reading of a draft resolution, a report is made by a representative of the lead committee. At the proposal of the lead committee, the candidate to the office or the public official who is to be released from the office may make a report of up to five minutes. Members of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter. Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, the motions are put to the vote after the debate is concluded, having regard to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of § 106 of this Act. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

§ 118.  Special rules for proceedings on draft resolutions of Riigikogu that concern declaration of state of emergency, state of war, mobilisation or demobilisation, or that are related to increasing level of defence readiness

  [RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016]

 (1) Draft resolutions of the Riigikogu that concern the declaration of the state of emergency, state of war, mobilisation or demobilisation, or that are related to increasing the level of defence readiness are deliberated in a single reading.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016]

 (2) No lead committee is appointed for the draft resolution. The bill is included in the agenda at the earliest opportunity by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu.

 (3) At the reading of the draft resolution, a report is made by the Prime Minister or, where they have been respectively authorised by the Prime Minister, another member of the Government. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of the presenter.

 (4) At the reading of the bill, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu to present comments. No motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted. After the debate is concluded, the draft resolution is put to the final vote.

§ 1181.  Special rules for proceedings on draft resolutions of Riigikogu concerning submission of petitions to Supreme Court

 (1) The right to introduce a draft resolution of the Riigikogu which includes a petition to the Supreme Court for an opinion on how to interpret the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia in conjunction with the law of the European Union is vested in the European Union Affairs Committee and the Constitutional Committee.

 (2) The draft resolution is deliberated in a single reading. Proceedings on the draft resolutions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Subchapters 2 and 3 of this Chapter based on the special rules prescribed in this section.

 (3) When opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets the time-limit for the presentation of amendment motions. Amendment motions may be made by the European Union Affairs Committee, the Constitutional Committee, and the parliamentary groups.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (4) At the reading of the draft resolution, reports are made by the submitter of the draft resolution and a representative of the lead committee. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter.

 (5) At the reading of the draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups as well as representatives of the European Union Affairs Committee and the Constitutional Committee to present comments.

 (6) Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, they are put to the vote after the debate is concluded, having regard to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of § 106 of this Act. Amendment motions that the lead committee has decided not to incorporate in the text are not put to the vote. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.
[RT I 2005, 68, 524 – entry into force 23.12.2005]

§ 1182.  Special rules for conducting as matter of urgency proceedings on draft resolutions of Riigikogu that are related to ensuring financial stability

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

 (1) A draft resolution related to ensuring the financial stability of the euro area or a member state of the euro area, or to the prevention or resolution of the financial crisis specified in the State Budget Act, that is declared a matter of urgency by the Board of the Riigikogu at the request of the Government of the Republic, is deliberated in a single reading. Proceedings on the draft resolutions are conducted in accordance with the provisions of Subchapters 2 and 3 of this Chapter based on the special rules prescribed in this section.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

 (2) When opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets the time-limit for the presentation of amendment motions. Amendment motions may be submitted by the lead committee and the parliamentary groups.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (3) Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, they are put to the vote after the debate is concluded, having regard to the provisions of § 106 of this Act. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.
[RT II, 14.09.2012, 1– entry into force 15.09.2012]

Chapter 12 PROCEEDINGS ON DRAFT STATE BUDGET 

§ 119.  Submission of draft state budget

 (1) The Government of the Republic submits the draft state budget at least three months before the beginning of the financial year.

 (2) The delivery and formalisation, as well as the opening of proceedings on and withdrawal of the draft state budget is subject to the provisions of §§ 91, 92, 93 and 95 of this Act and to the State Budget Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

§ 120.  Procedure for deliberation of draft state budget

 (1) The draft state budget is deliberated by the Riigikogu in three readings.

 (2) The draft state budget is deliberated in accordance with the provisions of Subchapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Chapter 11 of this Act, taking into consideration the special rules prescribed in this Chapter.

 (3) Motions to amend the draft state budget must comply with the conditions prescribed in § 40 of the State Budget Act. The motions to amend the draft state budget must contain specific wording as to each modification that they entail in the revenue, expenditure, investments, and financing transactions set out in the draft state budget.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

 (4) After the conclusion of the second reading of the draft state budget and during the third reading of the draft state budget, amendment motions may be submitted by committees and parliamentary groups.

 (5) Amendment motions that are not supported by the Government of the Republic and that are not incorporated into the text by the lead committee are not put to the vote where they are made after the suspension of the second reading, after the end of the second reading or after the suspension of the third reading.

§ 121.  Procedure for deliberation of bill on amendments to state budget and draft supplementary budget

  The provisions of this Chapter, with the exclusion of subsection 1 of § 119, are also adhered to upon proceedings on a bill on amendments to the state budget and a draft supplementary budget.

Chapter 13 PROCEEDINGS ON BILLS TO AMEND CONSTITUTION 

§ 122.  Initiation of amendment to Constitution

 (1) An amendment to the Constitution may be initiated by not less than one fifth of the members of the Riigikogu, or by the President of the Republic.

 (2) The delivery and formalisation, as well as the opening of proceedings on and withdrawal of a bill to amend the Constitution is subject to the provisions of §§ 91, 92, 93 and 95 of this Act.

 (3) In the explanatory memorandum to a bill to amend the Constitution, the initiators of the bill state the method by which they propose to pass the Act to amend the Constitution.

§ 123.  Procedure for deliberation of bill to amend Constitution

 (1) A bill to amend the Constitution is deliberated by the Riigikogu in three readings.

 (2) The first and the second reading of the bill must be separated by an interval of at least three months and the second and the third reading by an interval of at least one month.

 (3) The bill to amend the Constitution is deliberated having regard to the provisions of Subchapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Chapter 11 of this Act, taking into consideration the special rules provided in this Chapter.

 (4) A motion to amend the bill to amend the Constitution may be submitted by at least one fifth of the members of the Riigikogu.

§ 124.  Decision on method of passing bill to amend Constitution

 (1) The Riigikogu decides on the method of passing the bill to amend the Constitution at the third reading of the bill.

 (2) The proposal concerning the method of passing the bill to amend the Constitution is made to the Riigikogu by the Constitutional Committee. The proposal is presented for the third reading of the bill to amend the Constitution.

§ 125.  Deciding on submission to referendum of bill to amend Constitution

 (1) Where the Constitutional Committee proposes to the Riigikogu to amend the Constitution by referendum, the Committee initiates, before the third reading of the bill to amend the Constitution, a draft resolution of the Riigikogu to hold a referendum.

 (2) When opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets a time-limit for the submission of motions to amend the draft resolution. Amendment motions may be made only by parliamentary groups.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (3) In the case prescribed in this section, the third reading of the bill to amend the Constitution is conducted concurrently with the reading of the draft resolution to hold the referendum; the bill to amend the Constitution is deliberated first, to be followed by the draft resolution when the amendment motions that have been submitted for the bill have been voted on.

 (4) During the reading of the draft resolution, a report is made by the lead committee. A member of the Riigikogu may ask the presenter one oral question.

 (5) At the reading of the draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups to present comments. Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, such motions are put to the vote after the debate is concluded.

 (6) After voting the amendment motions that have been submitted concerning the draft resolution, the chair of the sitting puts to the vote the matter of passing the draft resolution to hold the referendum. A three-fifths majority of the members of the Riigikogu is required to pass the draft resolution. Where the draft resolution does not receive the required majority, the bill to amend the Constitution is also deemed to have been rejected.

§ 126.  Amendment of Constitution by two successive compositions of Riigikogu

 (1) Where the Constitutional Committee proposes to the Riigikogu that the Constitution be amended by an Act passed by two successive compositions of the Riigikogu, the chair of the sitting puts the bill to amend the Constitution to the final vote at the third reading after all amendment motions have been voted on. Where the bill receives the majority of the votes of the members of the Riigikogu, the Act is deemed to have received the support of the composition of the Riigikogu. Where the bill does not receive the required majority, the Act to amend the Constitution is deemed to have been rejected.

 (2) The bill to amend the Constitution that received the support of the members of the preceding the Riigikogu is included in the agenda by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu at the earliest opportunity.

 (3) No motions to amend the bill to amend the Constitution are submitted.

 (4) No report is made at the reading of the bill to amend the Constitution. At the reading of the bill, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (5) After the debate is concluded, the bill to amend the Constitution is put to the final vote. A three-fifths majority of the members of the Riigikogu is required to pass the bill to amend the Constitution. Where the bill does not receive the required majority, the Act to amend the Constitution is deemed to have been rejected.

§ 127.  Amendment of Constitution as matter of urgency

 (1) Where the Constitutional Committee has proposed to the Riigikogu that the Constitution be amended as a matter of urgency, at the third reading of the bill to amend the Constitution, after amendment motions have been voted on, the chair of the sitting puts to the vote the motion to treat the bill as a matter of urgency. A four fifths majority is required to pass the resolution to treat the bill as a matter of urgency.

 (2) Where the method of amendment specified in subsection 1 of this section receives the required majority, the chair of the sitting puts to the vote the matter of passing the bill to amend the Constitution. A two-thirds majority of the members of the Riigikogu is required to pass the bill.

 (3) Where the method of amendment specified in subsection 1 of this section or the bill to amend the Constitution does not receive the required majority, the bill to amend the Constitution is deemed to have been rejected.

Chapter 14 DECIDING TO HOLD REFERENDUM 

§ 128.  Initiation of referendum

 (1) The right to initiate a referendum in order to pass a bill or take a decision on another national policy matter is vested in the following persons or bodies:
 1) members of the Riigikogu;
 2) parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu;
 3) committees of the Riigikogu.

 (2) Where the referendum is initiated in order to pass a bill, the initiator must submit:
 1) the bill to be submitted to a referendum, together with the draft resolution to hold the referendum; or
 2) the draft resolution to hold the referendum which indicates the bill that is intended to be submitted to a referendum and in respect of which proceedings are pending in the Riigikogu. In the latter case, the initiator of the bill must also be stated in the explanatory memorandum.

 (3) Where the referendum is initiated in order to take a decision on another national policy matter, the initiator must submit the draft resolution to hold the referendum which sets out the matter to be submitted to a referendum such that it only allows the answers ‘ jah ’ [yes] or ‘ ei ’ [no].

 (4) The title of the draft resolution to hold the referendum must include the words ‘ rahvahääletuse korraldamine ’ [holding of a referendum].

 (5) The draft resolution must set out the date of the referendum.

§ 129.  Deciding to hold referendum in order to pass bill

 (1) Where the initiator introduces the bill that the initiator wishes to submit to a referendum, proceedings on the bill are conducted together with proceedings on the draft resolution to hold the referendum, having regard to the provisions of Subchapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Chapter 11 of this Act. Where the bill is rejected at the first reading, the draft resolution is also deemed to have been excluded from further proceedings. Motions may be made to amend both the bill and the draft resolution.

 (2) Where the initiator submits the draft resolution to hold the referendum in accordance with the rules provided in clause 2 of subsection 2 of § 128 of this Act, the first step of the proceedings is the holding of the first reading of the draft resolution having regard to the provisions of Subchapter 2 of Chapter 11 of this Act.

 (3) Where the Riigikogu, by a majority of votes in favour, decides to join the proceedings on the bill to the proceedings on the draft resolution, the joined proceedings commence from the stage that they have reached with respect to the bill and are conducted having regard to the provisions of Subchapters 3, 4 and 5 of Chapter 11 of this Act. Where necessary, the second reading of the draft resolution is conducted before commencement of the joined proceedings.

 (4) Where the joining of the proceedings regarding the bill and the draft resolution is not supported by the Riigikogu, the draft resolution is deemed to have been rejected.

 (5) Where the initiator withdraws from proceedings the bill that was accompanied by the draft resolution to hold the referendum, or to which the Riigikogu has joined a draft resolution to hold the referendum, the draft resolution is also dropped from the proceedings.

 (6) The decision to hold the referendum in order to pass an Act is taken by the Riigikogu at the third reading by the final vote on the draft resolution.

 (7) In order to be passed, the draft resolution requires a majority of votes in favour. In order to submit to a referendum any bill listed in subsection 2 of § 104 of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, the respective draft resolutions must receive the votes of the majority of the members of the Riigikogu. Where the draft resolution is not passed, the bill is also deemed to have been rejected.

§ 130.  Submission of another national policy matter to referendum

 (1) Proceedings on the draft resolution to hold a referendum to decide another policy matter are conducted having regard to the provisions of Subchapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 of Chapter 11 of this Act.

 (2) In order to be passed, the draft resolution requires a majority of votes in favour.

Chapter 15 DECIDING ON GRANTING CANDIDATE FOR PRIME MINISTER AUTHORITY TO FORM GOVERNMENT 

§ 131.  Deciding on granting candidate for Prime Minister nominated by President of the Republic authority to form Government

 (1) The matter of deciding on granting a candidate for Prime Minister nominated by the President of the Republic authority to form the Government is included in the agenda by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu with the consent of the candidate for Prime Minister.

 (2) The candidate for Prime Minister makes a report on the principles upon which they propose to form the Government. A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions of the candidate for the office of Prime Minister. No debate is opened.

 (3) The granting of authority to the candidate for Prime Minister to form the Government is decided by the Riigikogu by a majority of votes in favour. The decision of the Riigikogu is formalised as a resolution of the Riigikogu.

§ 132.  Nomination of candidate for Prime Minister in Riigikogu

 (1) After the passing to the Riigikogu of the right to nominate the candidate for Prime Minister, the Board of the Riigikogu sets a term during which parliamentary groups may nominate candidates for Prime Minister.

 (2) The declaration nominating a candidate for Prime Minister is submitted to the President of the Riigikogu in writing. The consent of the candidate must be annexed to the declaration.

 (3) The matter of deciding on granting a candidate for Prime Minister the authority to form the Government is included in the agenda by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu after the expiry of the term specified in subsection 1 of this section.

 (4) In the order determined by the Board of the Riigikogu, the candidates for Prime Minister who were nominated within the set term make a presentation on the principles upon which they propose to form the Government. A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions of each candidate. No debate is opened.

 (5) Where a candidate for Prime Minister has made the report and replied to questions, the Riigikogu, by a majority of votes in favour, decides on whether to grant them authority to form the Government. Where the candidate for Prime Minister receives the required majority, the hearing of the reports of the other candidates is renounced.

 (6) The grant of authority to the candidate for Prime Minister to form the Government is formalised as a resolution of the Riigikogu.

 (7) Where the Riigikogu is unable to nominate the candidate for Prime Minister, the President of the Riigikogu notifies this to the President of the Republic in writing promptly after the expiry of the term for the nomination.

Chapter 16 PROCEDURE FOR EXPRESSING NO CONFIDENCE AND FOR DECIDING ON MATTER OF CONFIDENCE 

Division 1 Procedure for Expressing No Confidence 

§ 133.  Motions to express no confidence

 (1) Motions to express no confidence in the Government of the Republic, the Prime Minister or a minister may be initiated by not less than one fifth of the members of the Riigikogu by presenting the respective written demand at a sitting of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The initiators set out the reasons for the expression of no confidence in their demand.

§ 134.  Deliberation of motion to express no confidence

 (1) The motion to express no confidence in the Government of the Republic, the Prime Minister or any other minister is included in the agenda not earlier than on the second day after the presentation of the motion, unless the Government of the Republic requests a speedier decision.

 (2) The deliberation of the motion to express no confidence begins with a comment by the initiator or initiators of the motion, which may not last more than 20 minutes and in which reasons are provided for the motion. After that, the member of the Government of the Republic in respect to whom the motion was initiated addresses the Riigikogu with a comment, which may not last more than 20 minutes. A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions to the member of the Government.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) At the deliberation of the motion to express no confidence, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of parliamentary groups to present comments; the first to speak is the representative of one of the parliamentary groups the members of which are among the initiators of the motion to express no confidence.

 (4) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts the motion to express no confidence to the vote. The motion of no confidence in the Government of the Republic, the Prime Minister or any other minister is adopted where the majority of the members of the Riigikogu votes in favour of the motion.

 (5) The expression of no confidence in the Government of the Republic, the Prime Minister or any other minister is formalised as a resolution of the Riigikogu.

Division 2 Rules for Proceedings on Bills or Draft Resolutions declared to be Matter of Confidence 

§ 135.  Rules for declaring passage of bill or draft resolution to be matter of confidence

 (1) The Government of the Republic may declare the passage of a bill or draft resolution that it has initiated to be a matter of confidence at the initiation of the bill or draft resolution, before its second reading or before its third reading.

 (2) The Government of the Republic submits the declaration to the effect that the passage of the bill or draft resolution is regarded to be a matter of confidence to the President of the Riigikogu in writing.

§ 136.  Rules for deliberation of bills or draft resolutions declared to be matter of confidence at their initiation

 (1) Where the Government of the Republic declares the passage of a bill or draft resolution that it has initiated to be a matter of confidence at the initiation of the bill or draft resolution, no lead committee is appointed for the bill or draft resolution.

 (2) The reading of the bill or draft resolution is included in the agenda for the time determined by the Government of the Republic, but not earlier than on the second day after the opening of proceedings on the bill or draft resolution.

 (3) A representative of the Government of the Republic makes a report at the reading of the bill or draft resolution. A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions of the presenter.

 (4) At the reading of the bill, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups of the Riigikogu to present comments.

 (5) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts the bill or draft resolution to the final vote.

 (6) Where the Riigikogu does not pass the bill or draft resolution that has been declared to be a matter of confidence, the President of the Riigikogu promptly notifies this to the President of the Republic.

§ 137.  Rules for deliberation of bills or draft resolutions declared to be matter of confidence before second reading

 (1) Where, before the second reading of a bill or draft resolution initiated by the Government of the Republic, the Government declares the passage of the bill or draft resolution to be a matter of confidence, the duties of the lead committee are terminated as of the time of making the declaration and the President of the Riigikogu transmits the motions to amend the bill or draft resolution to the Government of the Republic.

 (2) The Government of the Republic prepares the documents specified in §§ 101, 102 and 103 of this Act.

 (3) The second reading of the bill or draft resolution is included in the agenda for the time indicated by the Government of the Republic, but not earlier than on the second day after the bill or draft resolution was declared to be a matter of confidence.

 (4) At the second reading of the bill or draft resolution, a report is presented by the representative of the Government of the Republic. A member of the Riigikogu may ask up to two oral questions of the presenter.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (5) At the second reading of a bill or draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for members of the Riigikogu and representatives of the committees and parliamentary groups who wish to express their opinion to present comments.

 (6) The amendment motions are not put to the vote.

 (7) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts the bill or draft resolution to the final vote.

 (8) Where the Riigikogu does not pass the bill or draft resolution that has been declared to be a matter of confidence, the President of the Riigikogu promptly notifies this to the President of the Republic.

§ 138.  Rules for deliberation of bills or draft resolutions declared to be matter of confidence before third reading

 (1) Where, before the third reading of the bill or draft resolution, the Government of the Republic declares the passage of a bill or draft resolution that it has initiated to be a matter of confidence, the duties of the lead committee are terminated as of the time of the declaration.

 (2) The Government of the Republic prepares the documents specified in § 110 of this Act.

 (3) The third reading of the bill or draft resolution is included in the agenda for the time indicated by the Government of the Republic, but not earlier than on the second day after the bill or draft resolution was declared to be a matter of confidence.

 (4) At the third reading of a bill or draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (5) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts the bill or draft resolution to the final vote.

 (6) Where the Riigikogu does not pass the bill or draft resolution that has been declared to be a matter of confidence, the President of the Riigikogu promptly notifies this to the President of the Republic.

Chapter 17 INTERPELLATIONS AND QUESTIONS 

Division 1 Interpellations 

§ 139.  Interpellations and their submission

 (1) An interpellation by a member of the Riigikogu is a question that is addressed to the Government of the Republic or a member thereof, to the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Eesti Pank, to the Governor of the Eesti Pank, to the Auditor General, or to the Chancellor of Justice and that is in the appropriate format and pertains to compliance with the legislation governing the powers of the respective body or public official.
[RT I, 08.07.2011, 8 – entry into force 22.07.2011]

 (2) Interpellations are formalised in writing. In the interpellation, the member of the Riigikogu describes the circumstances that have caused them to present the interpellation. The member of the Riigikogu may annex to the interpellation other materials that pertain to the matter considered in the interpellation.

 (3) Interpellations are submitted publicly to the chair of the sitting of the Riigikogu at the beginning of the sitting.

 (4) Where the interpellation is submitted in compliance with the provisions of subsections 1–3 of this section, the President of the Riigikogu promptly transmits the interpellation to the addressee. Where the interpellation is not submitted in compliance with the provisions of subsections 1–3 of this section, the President of the Riigikogu returns the interpellation to its submitter for the elimination of deficiencies or makes a proposal to them to ask the question during Question Time or to submit it as a written question.

 (5) The President of the Riigikogu notifies the members of the Riigikogu of the transmission of the interpellation to the addressee.

§ 140.  Procedure for replying to interpellations

 (1) The reply to the interpellation must be provided at a sitting of the Riigikogu within 20 sitting days following the transmission of the interpellation to the addressee.

 (2) The interpellation is included in the agenda by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu for the time agreed with the interpellator and the addressee of the interpellation.

 (3) The replying to the interpellation begins with a comment by the interpellator or a representative of the interpellators which may not last more than five minutes, and which introduces the interpellation and sets forth the reasons for its submission. This is followed by a comment of the addressee of the interpellation which may not last more than 15 minutes and in which replies are provided to the question raised in the interpellation. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of the addressee of the interpellation.

 (4) After a reply has been provided to the interpellation, a debate is opened for the interpellator or a representative of the interpellators and thereafter members of the Riigikogu and representatives of parliamentary groups and committees who wish to express their opinion to present comments. The addressee may present a comment before the end of the debate.
[RT I 2004, 89, 607 – entry into force 07.01.2005]

§ 141.  Interpellations submitted by members of previous Riigikogu

  No replies are made before the new Riigikogu to interpellations that were submitted by members of the previous Riigikogu.

Division 2 Question Time 

§ 142.  Time slot for Question Time

  Question Time, during which the Prime Minister and ministers reply to oral questions from members of the Riigikogu, runs from 12:00 to 14:00 on the Wednesday of every working week of the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 143.  Participation of members of Government of the Republic in Question Time

 (1) The Prime Minister or the minister acting for the Prime Minister and the ministers assigned by them participate in Question Time.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

 (2) The Prime Minister or an official authorised by the Prime Minister notifies the names of members of the Government of the Republic to participate in Question Time to the President of the Riigikogu not later than by 16:00 on the Monday of the working week. By 17:00 on the Monday of the working week, the President of the Riigikogu notifies the names of members of the Government of the Republic to participate in Question Time to the members of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

§ 144.  Registration for questions

 (1) Where a member of the Riigikogu wishes to ask a question of a member of the Government during Question Time, they submit the respective written request to the President of the Riigikogu by 12:00 on the sitting day preceding the day of Question Time.

 (2) In the request, the member of the Riigikogu sets out the name of the member of the Government of the Republic of whom they wish to ask the question, and the problem from the sphere of government of the member of the Government of the Republic or from the sphere of public life to which the question pertains.

 (3) A member of the Riigikogu may register for one question only.

§ 145.  Order of questions

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu prepares the order of questions having regard to the requests received from members of the Riigikogu.

 (2) When preparing the order of questions, the Board bears in mind that the representatives of all political parties represented in the Riigikogu should have the opportunity to put questions.

 (3) The Board of the Riigikogu announces the order of questions not later than one hour before the beginning of Question Time. The chair of the sitting presents the order at the beginning of Question Time.

§ 146.  Procedure for replying to questions

 (1) The chair of the sitting gives the floor for putting the questions according to the order of the questions.

 (2) The chair of the sitting may also allow members of the Riigikogu who have registered at the sitting to ask a question outside the order of the questions.

 (3) The chair of the sitting allots two minutes for putting the question.

 (4) The question must be brief and allow a brief answer.

 (5) The chair of the sitting allots three minutes for replying to the question.

 (6) After the reply, the chair of the sitting may allow the person who put the question to ask further questions to clarify the issue.

 (7) The provisions of subsections 3–5 of this section apply to questions asked for clarification and the replies given to such questions.

 (8) Where the chair of the sitting finds that the member of the Government of the Republic has given an adequate reply to the question of the member of the Riigikogu, they conclude consideration of the question.

 (9) A member of the Government of the Republic may refuse to provide a reply on a reasoned basis where the question does not pertain to the problem set out in the request (subsection 2 of § 144) or where the question pertains to a state secret or classified information of a foreign state or where replying to the question would prejudice national security.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

Division 3 Written Questions 

§ 147.  Written question and their submission

 (1) A member of the Riigikogu may present a written question to the Government of the Republic or a member thereof, to the Chair of the Supervisory Board of the Eesti Pank, to the Governor of the Eesti Pank, to the Auditor General or to the Chancellor of Justice in order to obtain information on an individual matter within the powers of the respective body or public official.
[RT I, 08.07.2011, 8 – entry into force 22.07.2011]

 (2) The question must be brief and allow a brief answer. The member of the Riigikogu may annex to the question other materials that are related to the question.

 (3) The question is submitted in writing to the President of the Riigikogu who promptly forwards it to the addressee.

 (4) Where the question is not submitted in compliance with the provisions of subsections 1 and 2 of this section, the President of the Riigikogu returns the question to the submitter.

§ 148.  Replying to written questions

 (1) The addressee of the question replies to the question in writing within 10 working days following forwarding of the question.

 (2) The addressee of the question dispatches their written reply to the President of the Riigikogu who arranges communication of the reply to the members of the Riigikogu.

Chapter 18 RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS REGARDING PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO RIIGIKOGU 

§ 149.  Proposals submitted to Riigikogu

  The rules prescribed in this Chapter for proceedings on proposals submitted to the Riigikogu applies to the following proposals:
 1) the proposal of the President of the Republic to bring criminal charges against the Chancellor of Justice;
 2) the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice to bring criminal charges against a member of the Riigikogu, the President of the Republic, a member of the Government of the Republic, the Auditor General, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or a justice of the Supreme Court;
 3) the proposal of the Chancellor of Justice to bring an Act or resolution of the Riigikogu into conformity with the Constitution or an Act.

§ 150.  Inclusion of proposals in agenda

  The proposal is included in the agenda at the earliest opportunity by motion of the Board of the Riigikogu or at the proposal of the President of the Riigikogu.

§ 151.  Procedure for deliberation of proposals

 (1) The deliberation of the proposal begins with a report by the submitter of the proposal. In the course of the deliberation of the proposal specified in clause 3 of § 149 of this Act, reports are also heard from a representative of the Constitutional Committee and a representative of the committee that served as the lead committee for the bill or draft resolution when proceedings were conducted in the Riigikogu concerning the Act or resolution of the Riigikogu being deliberated. Members of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter.

 (2) In the deliberation of the proposal, the floor is opened for debate for members of the Riigikogu and representatives of the committees and parliamentary groups who wish to express their opinion to present comments.

 (3) After the debate is concluded, the chair of the sitting puts the proposal to the vote.

 (4) Where the proposal concerns the declaration of consent to the bringing of criminal charges against a member of the Riigikogu, no questions are put to the member of the Riigikogu, and they may not vote in the matter. The said member may, were they so wish, give comments before the Riigikogu for up to five minutes.
[RT I, 22.12.2014, 9 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (5) A majority of the members of the Riigikogu is required in order to support the proposals specified in clauses 1 and 2 of § 149 of this Act. A majority of votes in favour is required in order to support the proposal specified in clause 3 § 149 of this Act.

 (6) In the cases prescribed in clauses 1 and 2 § 149 of this Act, the decision of the Riigikogu is formalised as a resolution of the Riigikogu.

§ 152.  Implementation of proposal of Chancellor of Justice that has received support of Riigikogu

  Where a proposal of the Chancellor of Justice to bring an Act or resolution of the Riigikogu into conformity with the Constitution or an Act is supported by the Riigikogu, the President of the Riigikogu instructs one of the committees of the Riigikogu to initiate a bill or draft resolution to bring the Act or resolution of the Riigikogu that is in conflict with the Constitution or an Act into conformity with the relevant legislative instrument.

Chapter 181 RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS REGARDING EUROPEAN UNION MATTERS 
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 - entry into force 15.03.2004]

§ 1521.  Introduction to Riigikogu of European Union matters

 (1) The Government of the Republic introduces the following proposed European Union legislation to the Riigikogu for the formation of a position in the matter:
 1) draft legislation the scope of application of which, under the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia, requires the passage, amendment or repeal of an Act or resolution of the Riigikogu;
 2) draft legislation which, where passed, would entail a significant economic or social impact.

 (2) On its own initiative or at the request of the Riigikogu, the European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Government of the Republic also introduces other European Union matters of significant importance for opinion to the European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee. In the cases provided by law, the Government of the Republic introduces other European Union matters of significant importance to the European Union Affairs Committee for taking a position. In such cases, the provisions of §§ 1522, 1523 and subsection 1 of § 1524 are not applied to the proceedings of development of the position, and subsections 2 and 3 of § 1524 are applied.
[RT II, 14.09.2012, 1– entry into force 15.09.2012]

§ 1522.  Submission of and opening of proceedings on proposed European Union legislation

 (1) An explanatory memorandum is annexed to the proposed European Union legislation that sets out the purpose of the draft legislation, the procedure and schedule for proceedings regarding the draft legislation in the institutions of the European Union, an overview of the effects related to the passage of the draft as a legislative instrument, an analysis regarding the conformity of the draft legislation to the principle of subsidiarity, and the position of the Government of the Republic concerning the draft legislation.
[RT I 2010, 28, 144 – entry into force 14.06.2010]

 (2) The Government of the Republic submits the draft legislation at the earliest opportunity after having received the draft legislation.

 (3) The draft legislation is submitted to the Board of the Riigikogu which promptly forwards it to the European Union Affairs Committee, or, where the draft legislation concerns the common foreign and security policy of the European Union, to the Foreign Affairs Committee, and assigns one or several standing committees to provide an opinion on the draft legislation.

 (4) Members of the Riigikogu are notified of the transmitted draft legislation and of the committees that have been assigned to provide an opinion.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

§ 1523.  Opinion of standing committee concerning draft legislation

  The standing committee that has been assigned by the Board of the Riigikogu to provide an opinion on the draft legislation submits the opinion to the European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee by the time determined by the Board of the Riigikogu.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

§ 1524.  Proceedings regarding draft legislation in European Union Affairs Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee

 (1) The European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee include the draft legislation in the agenda of their sittings after the expiry of the time-limit specified in § 1523 of this Act.

 (2) The European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee takes a position on behalf of the Riigikogu regarding the draft legislation and states the position in the minutes of the sitting of the committee. The committee may decline to take a position. The committee informs the Government of the Republic of its position or of having declined to take a position.

 (3) The Government of the Republic is obligated to adhere to the opinion of the Riigikogu. Where the Government of the Republic fails to do so, it must at the earliest opportunity explain its reasons to the European Union Affairs Committee or the Foreign Affairs Committee.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

§ 1525.  Prime Minister’s overview of activities of Government of the Republic in implementing European Union policy

 (1) During the autumn session of the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu, the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of the Republic, presents to the Riigikogu an overview of the activities of the Government of the Republic in implementing European Union policy. The overview is presented following the procedure provided in § 155 of this Act and having regard to the provisions of subsection 2 of this section.

 (2) At the request of the European Union Affairs Committee, the Board of the Riigikogu offers an opportunity to a representative of the committee to make a presentation after the overview of the Prime Minister, but before the opening of the debate. A member of the Riigikogu may ask the presenter one oral question.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

§ 1526.  Rules for proceedings on draft resolutions of Riigikogu that contain reasoned opinion regarding why draft legislative act of European Union is not in conformity with principle of subsidiarity

 (1) The European Union Affairs Committee may introduce a draft resolution of the Riigikogu that contains a reasoned opinion regarding why a draft legislative act of the European Union referred to in the protocol on the application of the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union is not in conformity with the principle of subsidiarity.

 (2) When opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets the time-limit for the submission of motions to amend the draft resolution. Amendment motions may be submitted by the standing committees and parliamentary groups. The European Union Affairs Committee is the lead committee for the draft resolution.

 (3) The lead committee hears the opinion of the Government of the Republic.

 (4) A representative of the European Union Affairs Committee makes a report at the reading of the draft resolution. A member of the Riigikogu may ask two oral questions of the presenter.

 (5) In the reading of the draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the standing committees and parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (6) Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, such motions are put to the vote, having regard to the provisions of § 106 of this Act. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.

 (7) When the resolution of the Riigikogu has been signed, the President of the Riigikogu promptly transmits it to the relevant institution of the European Union.
[RT I 2010, 28, 144 – entry into force 14.06.2010]

§ 1527.  Rules for proceedings on draft resolution of Riigikogu that contains demand that Government of the Republic bring action before Court of Justice of European Union

 (1) A standing committee or a parliamentary group may submit a draft resolution of the Riigikogu that contains a demand that the Government of the Republic bring an action before the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding violation of the principle of subsidiarity in a legislative act of the European Union.

 (2) The draft resolution must include the text of the action.

 (3) Proceedings on the draft resolution are conducted following the provisions of Subchapters 2–6 of Chapter 11, taking into consideration the special rules set out in this section.

 (4) The European Union Affairs Committee is the lead committee for the draft resolution.

 (5) The draft resolution is transmitted to the Government of the Republic for an opinion in accordance with subsection 1 § 94 of this Act. The Government of the Republic presents its opinion to the European Union Affairs Committee in writing within three weeks from receiving the draft resolution. The Government of the Republic may not decline to present its opinion.

 (6) The Government of the Republic arranges the filing of the action in the Court of Justice of the European Union.
[RT I 2010, 28, 144 – entry into force 14.06.2010]

§ 1528.  Rules for proceedings on draft resolution of Riigikogu that expresses opposition to initiative of European Council or proposal of European Commission

 (1) A standing committee or a parliamentary group may submit a draft resolution of the Riigikogu that expresses opposition to an initiative of the European Council to adopt a decision specified in the first or second paragraph of Article 48(7) of the Treaty on European Union or to a proposal of the European Commission to adopt a decision specified in Article 81(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

 (2) When opening proceedings on the draft resolution, the Board of the Riigikogu sets the time-limit for the submission of motions to amend the draft resolution. Amendment motions may be submitted by the standing committees and parliamentary groups. The European Union Affairs Committee is the lead committee for the draft resolution.

 (3) The lead committee hears the opinion of the Government of the Republic.

 (4) At the reading of the draft resolution, reports are made by a representative of the submitter of the draft resolution and by a representative of the European Union Affairs Committee. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter. Where the draft resolution is submitted by the European Union Affairs Committee, a member of the Riigikogu may ask two oral questions of the presenter.

 (5) In the reading of the draft resolution, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of the standing committees and parliamentary groups to present comments.

 (6) Where motions to amend the draft resolution are submitted, such motions are put to the vote, having regard to the provisions of § 106 of this Act. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.

 (7) When the resolution of the Riigikogu has been signed, the President of the Riigikogu promptly transmits it to the relevant institution of the European Union.
[RT I 2010, 28, 144 – entry into force 14.06.2010]

Chapter 182 RULES FOR PROCEEDINGS ON COLLECTIVE PROPOSALS 
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 - entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 1529.  Deciding opening of proceedings on collective proposal

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu decides the opening of proceedings on a collective proposal (hereinafter in this Chapter proposal) within 30 calendar days following submission of the proposal.

 (2) Where the Board of the Riigikogu decides to open proceedings on the proposal, it transmits the proposal to the relevant committee or committees of the Riigikogu for proceedings.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 15210.  Return of proposal and elimination of deficiencies

  Where the proposal does not meet the requirements provided in subsection 2 of § 71 of the Response to Memoranda and Requests for Explanations and Submission of Collective Proposals Act, the Board of the Riigikogu returns the proposal to the contact person or persons for the elimination of deficiencies.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 15211.  Refusal to open proceedings on proposal

 (1) The Board of the Riigikogu refuses to open proceedings on a proposal that is submitted without the required number of support signatures meeting the requirements set out in subsection 1 of § 72 of the Response to Memoranda and Requests for Explanations and Submission of Collective Proposals Act.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu notifies the refusal to open proceedings on a proposal to the contact person or persons, stating the reasons for the refusal.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 15212.  Conduct of proceedings on proposal

 (1) The committee considers the proposal within three months and makes a decision concerning the proposal within six months from the opening of proceedings on the proposal.

 (2) The committee invites the contact person or persons indicated in the proposal to the sitting of the committee to explain the proposal.

 (3) The committee is required to conduct proceedings on the proposal and develop a position concerning the proposal.

 (4) The committee may agree to the proposal in part or in full or disagree with it. The committee notifies the contact person or persons indicated in the proposal as to the position of the committee regarding the proposal.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 15213.  Decisions concerning proposal

  When conducting proceedings on the proposal, the committee may decide to:
 1) initiate a bill or draft resolution or the deliberation of a matter of significant national importance;
 2) hold a public sitting;
 3) transmit the proposal to the competent institution for taking a position regarding the proposal and for resolving it;
 4) transmit the proposal to the Government of the Republic for developing a position regarding the proposal and for replying to it; the position developed is also notified to the committee;
 5) reject the proposal; or
 6) resolve the problem raised in the proposal by other means.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

§ 15214.  Rejection of proposal

 (1) The committee, without deliberating the merits of the matter, refuses to consider the proposal and rejects it where:
 1) the proposal is substantially identical to a proposal in respect of which proceedings were conducted less than two years ago; or
 2) the proposal as submitted is clearly incompatible with the basic principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and the international obligations imposed on the Republic of Estonia by international treaties.

 (2) Where the Committee decides to reject the proposal, it must explain the reasons for the rejection to the contact person or persons indicated in the proposal.
[RT I, 01.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 11.04.2014]

Chapter 19 RULES FOR DELIBERATION OF OTHER MATTERS 

§ 153.  Deliberation of matters of significant national importance

 (1) A committee or parliamentary group of the Riigikogu may initiate the deliberation of a matter of significant national importance by transmitting the respective request to the Board of the Riigikogu. The request sets out the matter to be deliberated and the desired time of conducting the deliberation.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu sets the duration of the deliberation, the presenters and the time allocated for questions and comments at the proposal of the committee or parliamentary group that initiated the deliberation.

 (3) In a calendar year, a parliamentary group may initiate the deliberation of one matter of significant national importance.
[RT I 2009, 54, 361– entry into force 23.11.2009]

§ 154.  Proceedings concerning draft resolutions of Riigikogu that contain proposals to Government of the Republic and proceedings concerning draft statements, declarations and communications of Riigikogu

 (1) Parliamentary groups and committees may introduce draft resolutions of the Riigikogu that contain proposals to the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (11) A draft statement, declaration or communication of the Riigikogu may be introduced by not less than one fifth of the members of the Riigikogu.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (2) The provisions of §§ 91, 92 and 93 of this Act apply to the delivery, formalisation and the opening of proceedings on the draft resolution, statement, declaration, or communication. When opening proceedings on the draft, the Board of the Riigikogu sets the time-limit for the submission of motions to amend the draft and designates the lead committee. Only the parliamentary groups and committees may submit amendment motions.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (3) The draft is deliberated in a single reading.

 (4) The draft is included in the agenda at the proposal of the lead committee, having regard to the provisions of § 97 of this Act.

 (5) At the reading of the draft, reports are made by a representative of the submitter of the draft and the representative of the lead committee. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter.

 (6) At the reading of the draft, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of parliamentary groups and committees to present comments.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 2 – entry into force 23.03.2014]

 (7) Voting on amendment motions is conducted after the debate is concluded. Thereafter, the bill is put to the final vote.

§ 155.  Political statements of President of the Republic, Prime Minister and ministers, and reports from and overviews by public officials

 (1) The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister and ministers are entitled to make political statements at a sitting of the Riigikogu. Other public officials present reports or overviews at a sitting of the Riigikogu as required under the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia or an Act.

 (2) The public official who wishes to present a statement, report or overview submits the respective request to the Board of the Riigikogu that sets out the subject of the statement, report or overview and the desired time and duration of its presentation.

 (3) The Board of the Riigikogu sets the time for the presentation of the statement, report, or overview.

 (4) A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of the public official who presents a statement, report, or overview, unless the Board of the Riigikogu and the official have agreed otherwise.

 (5) After the presentation of the statement, report or overview and replies to questions, the floor is opened for debate for representatives of parliamentary groups to present comments.

§ 1551.  Presentation by candidate nominee to European Commission

 (1) Before being formally nominated by the Government of the Republic of Estonia, a candidate nominee to the European Commission makes a presentation before the Riigikogu. The Government of the Republic transmits to the Board of the Riigikogu the respective request where it specifies the desired time and duration of the presentation.

 (2) The making of the presentation is subject to the provisions of subsections 3–5 of § 155.
[RT I, 05.11.2014, 2 – entry into force 15.11.2014]

§ 156.  Deliberation of action plans of Government of the Republic

 (1) The Government of the Republic may submit its action plan to the Riigikogu for deliberation.

 (2) The Board of the Riigikogu designates the lead committee to consider the action plan submitted by the Government of the Republic and to prepare a report on the plan.
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]

 (3) The deliberation of the action plan is included in the agenda at the proposal of the lead committee.

 (4) In the course of the deliberation of the action plan, reports are made by the representative of the Government of the Republic and the representative of the lead committee. A member of the Riigikogu may ask one oral question of each presenter.

 (5) At the deliberation of the action plan, the floor is opened for debate for members of the Riigikogu and representatives of the committees and parliamentary groups who wish to express their opinion to present comments.

§ 157.  Unscheduled statements

 (1) In order to hear the comments of members of the Riigikogu, parliamentary groups and committees, time is allotted for unscheduled statements on the Monday of every working week the plenary assembly of the Riigikogu.

 (2) During the unscheduled statements time, comments are presented from the rostrum of the session hall of the Riigikogu, and a maximum of five minutes is allotted for a comment.

 (3) No questions are put to the presenter of the comment and no debate is opened.

Chapter 191 CHANCELLERY OF RIIGIKOGU 
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 - entry into force 14.07.2007]

§ 1571.  Status of Chancellery of Riigikogu

 (1) The Chancellery of the Riigikogu is the official public agency that ensures the servicing of the Riigikogu, its bodies and members of the Riigikogu.

 (2) The Chancellery is funded from the state budget.

 (3) The Chancellery has a seal bearing its name and the image of the lesser coat of arms of the Republic of Estonia.

 (4) The Chancellery is registered in the state register of state and local self-governing agencies following the procedure provided in the statutes of the register.
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]

§ 1572.  Functions of Chancellery of Riigikogu

 (1) The main duties of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu are the following:
 1) to advise the Riigikogu, its bodies and members of the Riigikogu in legislative matters and in the performance of other duties of the Riigikogu;
 2) to service the Riigikogu, make arrangements concerning the management of its documents and create the conditions necessary for the Riigikogu to perform its duties;
[RT I, 07.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 17.03.2019]
 3) to assist the Riigikogu in communicating with other government bodies and the public, as well as to make arrangements in relation to foreign relations of the Riigikogu;
 4) to make arrangements concerning the benefits related to membership in the Riigikogu;
 5) to fulfil obligations arising from the European Parliament Election Act, the Municipal Council Election Act, the Referendum Act, and the Riigikogu Election Act, to service the State Electoral Office and the Political Parties Financing Surveillance Committee;
[RT I, 06.05.2016, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2017]
 6) to arrange the administration of state assets in accordance with the State Assets Act;
 7) to prepare the draft budget of the Riigikogu and implement the approved budget.

 (2) The duties performed by the Chancellery also include those arising from other laws and those entrusted to the Chancellery by bodies of the Riigikogu in accordance with the laws.

 (3) In order to perform its duties, the Chancellery is authorised to obtain relevant documents and information from other agencies of the State and local authorities.
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]

§ 1573.  Management and structure of Chancellery of Riigikogu

 (1) The Chancellery of the Riigikogu is headed by the Secretary General of the Riigikogu who is appointed to office by the Board of the Riigikogu following a public recruitment procedure for a term of five years. The Secretary General is not subject to the probationary period provided in § 24 of the Civil Service Act.
[RT I, 06.07.2012, 1 – entry into force 01.04.2013]

 (2) The Secretary General appoints to office and releases from office the civil servants of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu and enters into and terminates the employment contracts of employees.
[RT I, 06.07.2012, 1 – entry into force 01.04.2013]

 (3) The rights and principal functions of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu, its management arrangements and the competences of its units are set out in the statutes of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu that are established by the Board of the Riigikogu.
[RT I 2007, 44, 316 – entry into force 14.07.2007]

 (4) The Board of the Riigikogu determines the structure of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu, its roster of service positions and its salary rules and may establish a classification of service positions into functional groups. The roster of service positions and the salary rules of the Foresight Centre and of the State Electoral Office are determined by the Secretary General of the Chancellery of the Riigikogu at the proposal of the head of the relevant unit.
[RT I, 28.06.2016, 4 – entry into force 01.01.2017]

Chapter 20 FINAL PROVISIONS 

§ 158.  Working language

 (1) The working language of the Riigikogu is Estonian.

 (2) Bills, draft resolutions, interpellations, and other documents are submitted in Estonian.

 (3) The Estonian language is used to make reports and present comments and to put questions and reply to them.

§ 1581.  Access to documents

 (1) Documents prepared by or submitted to the Riigikogu and the Chancellery of the Riigikogu may be accessed by the public.

 (2) In the cases provided by law, documents are not made available to the public.
[RT I 2004, 12, 77 – entry into force 15.03.2004]

 (3) Any drafts of documents and any support materials used to prepare such drafts, as well as any materials used for discussion or consulting are not regarded as documents.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

 (4) The materials specified in subsection 3 of this section are not registered in the register of documents, they are not preserved, and they are intended for internal use.
[RT I, 03.05.2016, 2 – entry into force 13.05.2016]

§ 1582.  Archives of Riigikogu

 (1) The archives of the Riigikogu are composed of the documents of the plenary assembly, committees, parliamentary groups and the Board of the Riigikogu, the Chancellery of the Riigikogu and the National Electoral Committee.

 (11) Upon the expiry of the established term, the records specified in subsection 1 of this section are transferred to the National Archives following the procedure established in the Archives Act.
[RT I, 21.03.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (2) The procedure for keeping the archives of the Riigikogu is approved by the Board of the Riigikogu.
[RT I 2006, 12, 80 – entry into force 19.03.2006]

§ 1583.  Temporary special rules for proceedings concerning draft resolutions of Riigikogu in relation to financial crisis

  At the proposal of the Government of the Republic, the special rules provided in § 118 of this Act may also be applied, until 1 July 2010, to proceedings concerning draft resolutions of the Riigikogu provided that the draft resolution is initiated for the purpose provided in clause 3 of subsection 3 of § 37 of the State Budget Act and concerns:
 1) acquisition of shares or other financial assets;
 2) issue of governmental guarantees;
 3) taking and granting of loans or the giving, taking or acquisition of other debt obligations;
 4) use of the funds of the stabilisation reserve.
[RT I 2009, 19, 117 – entry into force 06.04.2009]

§ 159. – § 161. [Omitted from this text.]

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/otsingu_soovitused.json