1st LD Writethru: Amended regulation-making procedure stresses CPC leadership, due process

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The State Council has issued two documents on procedural rules for government agencies making regulations and by-laws.

The amendments require implementation of Party guidelines, policies and decisions.

According to the documents, administrative regulations regarding political issues must go through the CPC Central Committee. Important issues should be reported to the committee during the formulation of major regulations in the economic, social or environmental sectors.

By-laws related to political issues should also be reported to the committee or an appropriate Party organization. The State Council should report its annual regulatory plan to the committee.

The amendments stress that procedure should be carried out in a sound, democratic and law-based manner.

The amendments include stipulations on discussion before any legislative project, entrusting a third party to draft documents, and consultation that may affect important interests. A system to allow the public to give opinions on draft regulations and by-laws must be established.

According to the Legislation Law, the State Council is entitled to make administrative regulations while ministerial-level agencies and local governments at provincial-level can make bylaws within their respective jurisdictions.

The amendments will take effect from May. Enditem