New deadlines for the Law on Lobbying: two bills in the Verkhovna Rada
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered two draft laws proposing amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Lobbying". The main bill No. 12120 dated 15.10.2024 was submitted by People's Deputy M. Stefanchuk, while the alternative draft No. 12120-1 dated 29.10.2024 was proposed by People's Deputy P. Pavlish. Both documents are aimed at clarifying the terms of the Law's entry into force and the functioning of the key instrument — the Transparency Register.
Basic draft law No. 12120
The main project provides for the following changes to Section III "Final Provisions" of the Law:
1. Entry into force and implementation:
The law will enter into force two months after the Transparency Register starts functioning, but no later than September 1, 2025.
2. Submission of reports:
Lobbying entities must submit a report for the second half of 2025 by January 31, 2026 for the first time.
3. Operation of the Transparency Register:
The Cabinet of Ministers is obliged to ensure the creation and functioning of the Transparency Register within 14 months from the date of entry into force of the law.
Alternative draft law No. 12120-1
The alternative project has an almost identical content, but offers slightly different terms:
1. Entry into force and implementation:
The law shall enter into force after two months from the date of the start of operation of the Transparency Register, but no later than July 1, 2025.
2. Submission of reports:
As in the main project, the first report for the second half of 2025 is submitted by January 31, 2026.
3. Operation of the Transparency Register:
The task of creating the Transparency Register must also be completed within 14 months.
The position of the Chief Scientific and Expert Department
The main scientific and expert administration believes that the changes proposed in both draft laws relate exclusively to the clarification of terms and do not introduce new legal norms. The experts' opinion emphasizes the expediency of such changes, noting that their adoption will contribute to ensuring the integral functioning of lobbying mechanisms. At the same time, it is stated that both draft laws can be adopted without significant comments.
The discussion of these draft laws is an important step for improving the legislative framework in the field of lobbying. Clarification of the terms of the Law's entry into force and the launch of the Transparency Register creates prerequisites for a more transparent and effective regulation of lobbying activities in Ukraine. The choice between the two projects will depend on how the people's deputies evaluate the proposed terms and their compliance with reality.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has registered two draft laws proposing amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Lobbying". The main bill No. 12120 dated 15.10.2024 was submitted by People's Deputy M. Stefanchuk, while the alternative draft No. 12120-1 dated 29.10.2024 was proposed by People's Deputy P. Pavlish. Both documents are aimed at clarifying the terms of the Law's entry into force and the functioning of the key instrument — the Transparency Register.
Basic draft law No. 12120
The main project provides for the following changes to Section III "Final Provisions" of the Law:
1. Entry into force and implementation:
The law will enter into force two months after the Transparency Register starts functioning, but no later than September 1, 2025.
2. Submission of reports:
Lobbying entities must submit a report for the second half of 2025 by January 31, 2026 for the first time.
3. Operation of the Transparency Register:
The Cabinet of Ministers is obliged to ensure the creation and functioning of the Transparency Register within 14 months from the date of entry into force of the law.
Alternative draft law No. 12120-1
The alternative project has an almost identical content, but offers slightly different terms:
1. Entry into force and implementation:
The law shall enter into force after two months from the date of the start of operation of the Transparency Register, but no later than July 1, 2025.
2. Submission of reports:
As in the main project, the first report for the second half of 2025 is submitted by January 31, 2026.
3. Operation of the Transparency Register:
The task of creating the Transparency Register must also be completed within 14 months.
The position of the Chief Scientific and Expert Department
The main scientific and expert administration believes that the changes proposed in both draft laws relate exclusively to the clarification of terms and do not introduce new legal norms. The experts' opinion emphasizes the expediency of such changes, noting that their adoption will contribute to ensuring the integral functioning of lobbying mechanisms. At the same time, it is stated that both draft laws can be adopted without significant comments.
The discussion of these draft laws is an important step for improving the legislative framework in the field of lobbying. Clarification of the terms of the Law's entry into force and the launch of the Transparency Register creates prerequisites for a more transparent and effective regulation of lobbying activities in Ukraine. The choice between the two projects will depend on how the people's deputies evaluate the proposed terms and their compliance with reality.
