On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee as the leading committee, the second reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Official Statistics Act (61 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was concluded. The amendments to the Act concern the precept to eliminate a violation applicable in case of failure to submit the data collected through national statistical observations or submission of distorted data. The Bill was sent to the third reading.

On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee as the leading committee the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the Competition Act (80 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was concluded. The elaboration of this Bill was due to the need to bring the provisions of the chapter on state aid into conformity with changes on the European Union level. The provisions of the chapter on state aid are clarified to improve understanding. The Bill also stipulates the legal basis for establishing a register on state aid and aid of minor importance, which would facilitate supervision of state aid, respect of accumulation rules and reporting duty. The Act is to enter into force on 1 January 2008. The Bill was sent to the second reading.

On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee as the leading committee the first reading of the Bill on Accession to the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (71 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was concluded. The objective of the Agreement is to invest the Tribunal with the legal capacity necessary for fulfilling its duties, and the members and employees of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea with the privileges, immunities and benefits necessary for the independent completion of their tasks. The Bill was sent to the second reading.

On the motion of the Economic Affairs Committee as the leading committee the first reading of the Bill on Accession to the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of the International Seabed Authority (72 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was concluded. The objective of the Protocol is to invest the ISBA with the privileges and immunities necessary for the independent fulfilment of its duties. The Bill was sent to the second reading.

On the motion of the Environment Committee as the leading committee, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to § 13⁴ of the Fishing Act (41 SE), initiated by Members of the Riigikogu Tarmo Kõuts, Trivimi Velliste, Mark Soosaar and Imre Sooäär. The Amendment concerns the issue of fishing permits for fishing with five or more nets to professional fishermen residing permanently on small islands. The Bill was sent to the second reading.

On the motion of the Cultural Affairs Committee as the leading committee the Bill on Amendments to the Study Allowances and Study Loans Act (69 SE), initiated by the Estonian People’s Union Faction, was rejected at the first reading. 47 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 35 against it, nobody abstained. Thus the Bill was withdrawn from the legislative proceeding.

On the motion of the Environment Committee as leading committee, the Bill on Amendments to the Nature Conservation Act (46 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction and the Estonian Green Party Faction, was rejected at the first reading. 44 members of the Riigikogu voted in favour of the motion and 33 against it, nobody abstained. Thus the Bill was withdrawn from the legislative proceeding.

Due to the end of the working hours of the plenary meeting, the first reading of the Bill on Amendments to the State Family Benefits Act (25 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction, was adjourned. The deliberation will be resumed on Wednesday, 19 September, at the sitting beginning at 2 p.m.

The Press Service