On the afternoon of February 17, the National Assembly passed the amended Law on the Organization of the National Assembly with a unanimous vote of 461 out of 461 deputies in attendance.

Renumbering regular and irregular sessions for consistency

Previously, some National Assembly deputies suggested replacing the term "extraordinary session" with "irregular session" or "specialized session."

On behalf of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Hoang Thanh Tung, Chairman of the Legal Committee, presented a report explaining the revisions, stating that the committee had accepted this recommendation.

The National Assembly holds two regular sessions annually. The amended law stipulates that irregular sessions can be convened upon request from the State President, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, or at least one-third of the total number of National Assembly deputies. These sessions aim to promptly address urgent matters within the National Assembly’s jurisdiction, particularly those concerning economic development, national security, and foreign affairs.

Additionally, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly will continue to refine the system for numbering both regular and irregular sessions to ensure consistency in future legislative terms.

Regulations on suspending National Assembly deputies' duties

Article 39 of the amended law outlines provisions for the suspension or removal of a National Assembly deputy.

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly has the authority to temporarily suspend a deputy’s duties in specific cases, including:

If a deputy is prosecuted as a criminal suspect.

If there is sufficient evidence to warrant disciplinary action at the level of a warning or higher for a deputy who is also a public official.

If legal proceedings or disciplinary measures necessitate further investigation and restriction of the deputy’s duties.

The law also states that a deputy may resume their duties and regain all legal entitlements if an authorized body determines that they committed no wrongdoing, if disciplinary action is not imposed, if the investigation is suspended, or if a final court ruling declares them not guilty or grants them exemption from criminal liability.

In cases where a deputy is disciplined, the Standing Committee will assess the severity of the violation and may decide to reinstate their duties or recommend their removal from office by the National Assembly.

A deputy who is convicted by a final court ruling will automatically lose their status as a National Assembly deputy from the date the verdict takes legal effect.

Other key amendments to the Law on the Organization of the National Assembly

The revised law clarifies the legislative authority of the National Assembly, specifying that it must enact laws governing:

The structure and operations of key state institutions, including the National Assembly, State President, Government, People's Courts, Supreme People's Procuracy, National Election Council, State Audit Office, and local governments.

Human rights, fundamental citizen rights and obligations, and any restrictions on those rights, as stipulated by the Constitution.

Criminal offenses, penalties, and judicial procedures.

The law prioritizes long-term stability and clarity, ensuring that it addresses fundamental rights, judicial matters, and key state functions.

For sector-specific policies, emerging governance challenges, and experimental regulations, the National Assembly will only outline broad policy principles, allowing the Government and other state agencies to develop detailed regulations and implementation mechanisms.

The National Assembly will generally avoid legislating administrative procedures, technical standards, and rapidly evolving regulations, delegating these to the executive branch for flexibility and efficiency.

Tran Thuong