Premier Lai Ching-te on Thursday, the final day of the current legislative session, conveyed his appreciation to the Legislature for a fruitful session in which 97 bills were approved, including 73 legislative bills.
By passing the legislative bills, many of great importance to the nation's economic development and well-being, the Legislature is enabling the Executive Yuan to continue promoting crucial policies while meeting the public's expectations, the premier said.
The Securities Transaction Tax Act, for instance, will help revitalize the development of local bourses. The Act for Establishment and Administration of Science Parks will create a stronger environment for innovation and investment by easing restrictions on the types and qualifications of organizations permitted in the parks. The Statute for Industrial Innovation gives domestic companies stronger tools for recruiting and retaining skilled workers, which will enable Taiwan's industries to better compete for international talent. A cybersecurity management law, meanwhile, provides the legal basis for Taiwan's cybersecurity development, and lays out provisions for the protection and defense of Taiwan's critical infrastructure, national security and public interests.
In education reform and disadvantaged children's welfare, lawmakers approved a community college development act, the Lifelong Learning Act, the Early Childhood Education and Care Act, and a childhood and youth education and development fund act. The Legislature also amended the Farmer Health Insurance Act and the Police Personnel Management Act to better protect the rights of agricultural workers, police officers and firefighters.
The Legislature plans to hold an extraordinary session to continue deliberations on remaining legislative bills, including an act governing incorporated foundations, the Air Pollution Control Act, the Company Act, and the Act of Military Service for Officers and Noncommissioned Officers of the Armed Forces (for military pension reform). The premier directed all agencies to maintain close communication with lawmakers to ensure all reviews are completed by the end of the special session.