On July 6, the spring session of Russia’s State Duma concluded. Since January of this year, lawmakers have enacted 361 laws, with 35.2 percent deemed socially significant. During the seventh meeting, the head of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, noted that 21.5 percent of these laws met the same criterion. Direct action laws rose by 1.5 percent, reaching 63.4 percent of the total.
At the close of the session, the Duma approved a series of bills, including measures addressing military logistics, security, and governance. The focus was on rapid responses to ongoing operations, procurement needs, and the ability for government bodies to mobilize resources when required.
Aircraft supply measures
The draft law concerning the provision of the Russian Armed Forces during counterterrorism and other abroad operations stipulates that certain entities may not refuse to sign a set of essential contracts. It emphasizes the necessity of swift repair of weapons and military equipment, and the timely delivery of material and technical resources during operations. Upon presidential signature, the government would gain the authority to reactivate mobilization capabilities and facilities and to liquidate several assets from the state reserve.
Actions affecting national security
The amendments introduce criminal penalties for calls to acts against Russia’s security. Penalties can reach up to a fine of 500,000 rubles, potential imprisonment of two to four years, and up to five years if such appeals are distributed via the Internet or media channels.
Betrayal and treason
The bill defines treason as switching allegiance to the enemy in the context of armed conflict. Violators face 12 to 20 years in prison and fines up to 500,000 rubles. Additionally, citizens who hold state secrets and flee the country despite deportation face up to four years in prison. The measure extends to former staff whose access to state secrets remains restricted for five years after leaving service.
The law also introduces criminal liability for Russians abroad who participate in the organization or support of a foreign or international non-governmental organization deemed undesirable while inside Russia. Prior to this, penalties applied only to NGO-related activities within Russian territory.
Biometrics and data handling
Biometric data may be transferred to the Unified Biometric System without consent, provided the owner is notified. The new rules take effect on March 1 of the coming year.
Penalties for dangerous driving
The bill raises penalties for repeat dangerous driving without a license to a fine up to 250,000 rubles or a prison term of up to one year. Offenders may lose the right to hold certain positions for two years. If an absentee driver causes serious harm, the punishment can include up to five years of compulsory labor in certain tasks, or a prison term of three to seven years. When the driver’s actions cause a death, penalties range from five to twelve years in prison, with up to fifteen years if multiple victims are involved. A repeat offense by a person with a criminal record who flees the scene after causing serious injury or death can bring a fine of up to 300,000 rubles or a prison sentence of up to two years, plus two years of compulsory labor.
Classification of gold and foreign exchange reserves
The explanatory note explains that in response to unfriendly actions by foreign states and international organizations, information about gold and foreign currency reserves should be classified. The measure also outlines rules for institutional relations and a set of steps to regulate the financial market.
Counter-sanctions information safeguards
In the third reading, provisions were adopted to limit the dissemination of counter-sanctions information in media and online. Information about completed or planned foreign trade transactions that could trigger sanctions may be shared only with written consent from the involved parties. Heads of state authorities, their delegates, and Bank of Russia staff are exempt from these requirements.
Youth and children movement
The Russian movement for children and youth will be tasked with supporting state policy in the interests of young people. Its goals include fostering child development, guiding professional orientation, organizing leisure, and creating opportunities for all-around growth and social integration. The autumn session will begin with its first plenary on September 13.