The Legislative and Legal Service of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia is one of the professional parliamentary services that plays a central role in the legal dimension of the legislative procedure. It prepares thorough and systematic written opinions on all draft laws, substantiated by legal theory and case law. Its most significant role is carried out before and during the second reading of a draft law in the competent working body. At this stage, more than half of the amendments are tabled on the basis of observations set out in its written opinions. In addition to its involvement in the legislative procedure, the Legislative and Legal Service undertakes other tasks related to it. Common to the majority of its competences, which are detailed in the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, is their focus on preparing high-quality final legislative texts and, consequently, on preserving and strengthening the rule of law. The pursuit of this fundamental mission is facilitated by the effective regulation of its tasks within the legal system, which is also considered of high quality in comparative legal terms. The National Assembly Act defines the Legislative and Legal Service as a professional, autonomous and independent service, and these characteristics are evident in its practical operation. Although the Service is not subject to direct political influence, the actions of the legislature and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia often affect the efficiency of its work. A key problem is the shortening of deadlines for legislative tasks, which deprives its professional staff of sufficient time for a thorough consideration of draft laws. Moreover, the legislature often fails to give consistent regard to the warnings expressed in the Service’s opinions, thereby limiting its efforts to prepare high-quality legislative texts and to promote the rule of law.
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