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.

The new law brings fundamental changes in the management of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances. The Act implements European regulations and introduces new obligations for natural persons, entrepreneurial natural persons, legal entities, medical facilities and other entities.

Certified persons must complete regular refresher training every 7 years, with the first deadline set for March 12, 2029. The cost of training ranges between CZK 3000-15,000 without VAT per person. Certified persons and companies must keep records of the use of F-gases, their quantity, type and method of use, and keep them for 5 years.

Operators of equipment containing F-gases must provide leak detection systems, regular leak inspection, leak repairs, and maintenance records. Failure to comply with these obligations can lead to fines of up to CZK 5,000,000.

Producers, importers and sellers of fluorinated greenhouse gases must report regularly to the Ministry on their use, storage and transport. The law introduces severe sanctions for breaches of obligations, including fines of up to CZK 5,000,000.

Healthcare facilities must record the use of the anesthetic desflurane, which will be banned from 1 January 2026 unless it is medically necessary. The records must be kept for 5 years.

The law abolishes some fee obligations, which can bring savings, but at the same time introduces new administrative obligations that can increase the costs of administration and reporting.

Customs authorities are gaining new powers, including detaining controlled substances and products on suspicion of violating the law. Information on the export and import of these substances must be shared between the competent authorities.

The law comes into effect on July 1, 2026, which provides time to prepare and adapt to the new obligations. The transitional provisions set deadlines for the fulfilment of certain obligations, such as the disposal of controlled substances within 3 months of the effective date of the Act.

This bill brings significant changes in the area of elections to municipal councils, which have practical implications for the organization of elections, rules for candidates and the stability of councils.

By-elections are newly introduced, which are held if the number of members of the municipal council falls below 5, but not below half. This mechanism increases the stability of councils, especially in smaller municipalities, and eliminates the possibility of misuse of resignations to trigger new elections.

The law abolishes the possibility of creating constituencies in municipalities, which is intended to prevent electoral engineering and the marginalization of smaller electoral parties. Each municipality will now form one constituency.

The threshold for a candidate to advance on the list of candidates is reduced from 10% to 5%, which increases the chances of individual candidates winning a mandate based on individual electoral success.

In the case of by-elections, the number of seats to be filled will be indicated on the ballot paper and the voter will only be able to vote for as many candidates as are filled. Candidates who do not receive a mandate will become substitutes.

If by-elections do not take place due to a lack of candidates or further resignations, new elections will be called. The costs associated with the preparation of the elections will be covered from the state budget.

The law is set to take effect on 1 January 2026, while the new rules will be applied for the first time during the national elections to municipal councils in autumn 2026.

The law does not have negative impacts on the state budget, the environment, personal data protection or gender equality. On the contrary, it is expected that financial resources will be saved by reducing the number of extraordinary elections and increasing the stability of municipal councils.

The rules for allocating mandates are being modified. The Czech Statistical Office reduces the percentage threshold for the advancement of electoral parties if the condition of at least two advancing parties or an absolute majority of seats is not met. The threshold is gradually reduced by 1% until the conditions are met.

Mandates are allocated on the basis of shares calculated from the votes of the electoral parties. In the event of an equal share, the number of votes is decisive, and if it is the same, the lot decides.

Substitutes take up vacant seats according to the order on the candidate list. If there is no substitute, the mandate remains vacant unless there are reasons for by-elections.

New elections are held if the number of council members falls below half or below 5, or when a new municipality or city district is established. By-elections are held if the number of council members falls below 5, but there are no reasons for new elections.

The number of signatures on petitions for independent candidates and associations of independent candidates varies according to the size of the municipality. For example, municipalities with up to 500 voters need 5% of signatures for independent candidates and 7% for associations of independent candidates, while municipalities with more than 150,000 voters need 0.5% of signatures for independent candidates and 7% for associations.

Expenses related to the by-elections that have not been held are covered by the state. New and by-elections are not held in the last 6 months of the term of office of municipal councils.

Scope: Section 14; pages 1–2.

Starting in 2026, the law reduces the minimum monthly assessment base for self-employed individuals’ pension insurance and employment contribution advance payments from the planned 40% of the average wage to 35% of the average wage. The main impact is a lower mandatory advance payment for self-employed individuals engaged in their primary activity and an adjustment to the rules for the flat-rate regime for the year 2026. At the same time, a transitional period is being addressed: overpayments made before the law takes effect may be refunded by the Social Security Administration upon request, and a portion of the corresponding debts and penalties will be waived. The law takes effect on the first day of the month following its promulgation.