UPPER HOUSE SUPPORTS BILLS IMPROVING STATUS OF BLIND PERSONS

ZAGREB, Dec 5 (Hina) - Deputies in the Croatian Sabor's House of Counties on Tuesday voiced full support for bills improving the status of some 5,500 blind persons in Croatia. The bills, which define jobs which should be given to blind disabled persons and allowances for blind persons, were drawn up by deputies in cooperation with the Association of Blind Persons. The bills regulate the employment of blind persons and define jobs which should be offered to blind people first. The bills also envisage sharper penalties for those disregarding those regulations. Along with these bills, the MPs also supported the improvement of other laws regulating the status of disabled persons, who account for 10 percent of Croatia's population. The upper house today started a debate on a new draft rule book, which would regulate the internal organisation and operation of the upper house. The debate was prompted by recent constitutional changes which significantly changed the powers of the House of Representatives. According to the new draft, which was made by the Committee on the Constitution and the Rule Book, the upper house would in several cases have equal rights in the adoption of laws as the House of Representatives. These laws include laws defining constitutionally granted human and civil freedoms and rights, the election system, the organisation and operation of state bodies, state administration and units of local and regional self- government. The draft rule book also contains regulations on the adjustment of legal texts in case a law is adopted by both houses. The draft also envisages the establishment of a new committee in charge of inter-parliamentary cooperation and European integration. The upper house included another 17 items in its agenda, including a package of four laws on taxation. These items, along with a draft state budget for 2001, will be discussed this week, and, if necessary, next week as well. (hina) jn rml