Iranian Parliament Advances Key Legislation on AI, Pensions, and Transport Insurance
In a series of focused sessions this week, specialized commissions within the Iranian Parliament deliberated on a diverse legislative agenda. The discussions, aimed at driving national development and addressing key economic sectors, covered topics from technological innovation to social welfare and transport reforms.
Boosting Production and Oversight
The Special Commission for Production Support convened to review a performance report from the Construction Mobilization Organization. The session, as explained by Commission Head Jafar Ghadiri, focused on the organization’s role in supporting domestic production and implementing construction projects. The commission also examined amendments to Article 16 of the “Maximum Use of Domestic Production and Services and Support for Iranian Goods” law, reinforcing its mandate to improve the business environment and strengthen national production.
Simultaneously, the Planning and Budget Commission met with the Head of the Court of Audit, Mr. Dastgheib. The discussions centered on financial transparency, payment processes, and strengthening the supervisory role of the Court of Audit to prevent structural financial issues. Commission members emphasized the need for enhanced precision and efficiency in fiscal oversight.
Economic Reforms and Asset Management
The Economic Commission delved into the details of the “Gazir” plan for the banking system. Spokesman Haken Memkan stated that the plan’s implementation is expected to significantly minimize banking imbalances.
In a separate session, the Civil Development Commission assessed the efficacy of policies concerning the productive utilization of government surplus properties. Spokesman Abdoljalal Iri announced that responsible bodies, including the Ministries of Roads and Economy, will be invited to future sessions to provide detailed reports on the implementation of this initiative.
Agricultural Security and Municipal Transactions
The Agriculture Commission addressed the critical link between land use and national food security. Deputy Head Alireza Abbasi reported that after deliberation, it was decided to remove a specific article from a draft law. The government is expected to soon present a new bill to parliament for amending the law on preserving land use.
Furthermore, the Councils Commission approved the generalities of a bill amending Article 35 of the Tehran Municipality transactions bylaw. The amendment facilitates greater flexibility in the types of financial guarantees acceptable for municipal tenders and contracts.
Key Legislation Approved
Two significant pieces of legislation were passed this week. The Civil Development Commission approved a reform to the drivers’ insurance law for freight and passenger transport. After nearly ten specialized sessions, a single article and its three notes were ratified. The amendment reduces the insurance premium share paid by drivers from 27% to 13.5%, with the remainder to be covered through alternative financing mechanisms applied to waybills and passenger receipts.
In a major move for technological advancement, the Industries and Mines Commission approved the establishment of a National Fund for the Development of Artificial Intelligence. Deputy Head Hojjatoleslam Seyed Javad Hosseini Kia confirmed that the commission has agreed to allocate 10 billion tomans in credits over three years from national resources to fuel AI innovation.
A proposal regarding the employment of retirees in production and economic units was also reviewed and referred to a working group for further study to ensure the rights of all involved parties are protected.