site.btaNational Assembly Adopts Its Rules of Procedure

The National Assembly voted on its rules of procedure on Wednesday. Despite receiving the approval of the ad hoc parliamentary committee on the rules of procedure, the plenary did not support a motion by Pavela Mitova and Alexander Rashev (There Is Such a People - TISP) that at the beginning of each plenary session MPs must take a blood test for alcohol and drug use.

The rules of procedure state that any MP may be elected to the bodies of the National Assembly and that he or she is obliged to participate in their work.

Parliament rejected a proposal by MP Petar Petrov (Vazrazhdane) to prohibit speeches, personal explanations or other procedures containing comment, opinion and discussion on the substance of a read declaration, and in case of violation to impose a penalty under the rules was rejected.

The rules of procedure also state that standing Committees will consider bills no earlier than 72 hours after receiving them from the members of the relevant committee, unless otherwise decided by a vote of Parliament. On bills concerning the judiciary, the chair of the committee in charge shall request an opinion from the Supreme Judicial Council. 

The Parliament's rules of procedure were adopted after nearly seven hours of debate.