The Riigikogu passed the following Acts:

The Riigikogu passed with 50 votes in favour (37 votes against) the Act on Amendments to the Dwelling Act and to § 12¹ of the Republic of Estonia Principles of Ownership Reform Act (313 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The purpose of the Act is to repeal the provisions of the Dwelling Act, concerning the application of maximum rent rates, established by local government councils to the dwellings in municipal ownership, to the dwellings returned to legal successors, in order to eliminate the restriction set to the possession of private ownership from the Act. A provision was added to the Republic of Estonia Principles of Ownership Reform Act, pursuant to which the raising of the rent arising from the repeal of the maximum rent rate and the contestation of it will be organised pursuant to the procedure and terms established by the Law of Obligations Act.

The Riigikogu passed with 77 votes in favour the Act on Amendments to § 22 of the Privatisation of Dwellings Act (228 SE), initiated by the Estonian Centre Party Faction. The purpose of the Act is to solve the problems caused by the Privatisation of Dwellings Act, pursuant to which the principle of equality of treatment, regarding the lessees of dwellings, has been infringed, and the possibility to privatise a dwelling using the right of pre-emption is precluded for persons having concluded the lease contract after June 1, 2001.

The Riigikogu passed with 62 votes in favour the Gambling Tax Act Amendment Act (377 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic. The purpose of the Act is to specify the purpose of the use of money accruing from the gambling taxes. Among other things the percentage of investment aids provided for regional programmes has also been specified. The purpose of the Act is also to ensure that the construction of the Art Museum will be completed. In accordance with the amendments to the Act, 75 % of the money allocated for cultural buildings will be provided for the new building of the Art Museum of Estonia.

The Riigikogu concluded the first reading of the following Bills:

The Draft Resolution of the Riigikogu The Bases of the Security Policy of the Republic of Estonia (2004) (397 OE), submitted by the Government of the Republic. The term for submission of motions to amend to the National Defence Committee is 15 June, 12.45.

The Bill on Amendments to the Weapons Act (398 SE), initiated by the Legal Affairs Committee. The term for submission of motions to amend to the Legal Affairs Committee is 16 June, 9.00.

Due to the end of the working hours of the sitting, the second reading of the Postal Bill (281 SE), initiated by the Government of the Republic, was suspended. The legislative proceeding of the Bill will be resumed on Wednesday?s sitting.   

The Riigikogu Press Service