Document 15 - Amendment to the Act on the Rules of Procedure of the Chamber of Deputies - RJ

The proposed amendment to the Act on the Rules of Procedure of the Chamber of Deputies introduces fixed time limits for speaking time (20 minutes for ordinary speakers, 60 minutes for speakers with priority rights in discussing an item) and limits the number of speeches on the same subject to two. The Chamber of Deputies has the flexibility to adjust these limits by voting without debate, which provides flexibility when discussing important points.

The amendment specifies the rules for evening sittings, where the decision to extend the sitting time must be made no later than 1 p.m. on the same day and requires a three-fifths majority of the deputies present. This increases the predictability and transparency of the negotiations.

Furthermore, the rules for factual remarks are modified, which now allow a maximum of two reactions per speech, thus limiting the chaining of discussions. The days and hours set aside for the third reading of bills are also stabilised, which improves the planning of the legislative process.

The amendment strengthens thematic discipline, whereby speakers with priority rights must comply with the topic under discussion, and introduces limits on procedural motions that must be submitted in a concentrated form after the start of the meeting. Overall, these are measures to increase the efficiency and cultivation of parliamentary debate.