The 260-member assembly is expected to overwhelmingly approve the draft constitution, which also needs a yes-vote at a national
referendum before it can take effect.
At the start of the session, deputies were addressed by Serbian President Boris Tadic and prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica
For the new constitution to be adopted over a half of the total number of registered voters must confirm it at a referendum. The date for the referendum was not immediately set, but the official Tanjug news agency said that the vote will be held on Oct. 28-29.
The new constitution also is likely to lead to an early election in several months' time.