The key facts

  • The bill was adopted in its third reading and sent to the Senate
  • The Criminal Code is proposed to include stricter measures for harm to citizens' lives and health caused by industrial safety violations
  • The specific types and amounts of penalties are not given in the published information

The bill passed its second and third readings

The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan considered a bill aimed at ensuring compliance with industrial safety requirements and increasing the accountability of responsible officials in this field. At the chamber's session, the document was considered article by article in its second reading, after which it was adopted in the third reading and sent to the Senate. Kun.uz reported this, citing the information presented.

What changes in criminal and administrative liability

The Criminal Code is proposed to be amended with provisions establishing stricter liability for cases where violations of industrial safety requirements caused harm to citizens' lives and health. At the same time, amendments to the Code of Administrative Liability provide for establishing and strengthening the liability of officials for three types of violations: failure to comply with industrial safety requirements, failure to ensure state control at hazardous production facilities, and failure to fulfill requirements for accident prevention preparedness and response. In addition, as part of reforms in the industry, the functions of authorized bodies are being clarified.

What remains unknown

The information presented does not specify the exact types and amounts of the proposed penalties, so it is impossible to judge from the published data how significantly the sanctions are being tightened. It is also unknown when the Senate will consider the document and when the amendments could take effect.

Why this matters

The bill affects both workers and residents living near hazardous production facilities, as well as officials responsible for safety at them: it is precisely to them that the administrative amendments assign liability for the absence of state control and unpreparedness for accidents. The practical significance of the document will become clearer once the specific types and amounts of penalties are disclosed, which are not yet indicated in the published information.