The proposed changes give judges the power to independently prolong detention for a suspect, first by two days and then by three months.
In this way, a suspect could spend six months in custody at the most.
The bill also envisages the collection of evidence via audio-video conferences and expands the existing set of criminal acts by introducing bribery, abuse of office, and cyber crime.
Emil Tomljanovic of the ruling HDZ party believes the proposed changes will make investigative proceedings more efficient and relieve the burden on the Supreme Court.
Opposition parties warned that frequent changes to the Law on Criminal Procedure caused legal insecurity.
The clubs of deputies also supported a bill on changes to the Law on Road Transport which moves the deadline for the 'rejuvenation' of truck and bus fleets from 2007 to 2012.