The Saeima has published amendments to the Criminal Law and the Law on the Procedure for its Application

INTRODUCTION

On October 7, 2026, two laws adopted by the Saeima affecting criminal law regulation were published in the official publication of the Republic of Latvia, “Latvijas Vēstnesis” No. 193: the “Amendment to the Criminal Law” and the “Amendment to the Law “On the Procedure for the Entry into Force and Application of the Criminal Law””. Both documents are included in the publication under the official reference OP 2026/193 – as the 7th and 8th items, respectively. Publication in the official gazette is the stage of promulgation of the law, after which it is applicable in the manner prescribed by law.

CONTEXT

Both laws were published by the issuer, the Saeima, in the “CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS” section of the publication, which combines the acts of the legislator and other constitutional institutions in the official gazette. Official publication is the moment when the text of the law becomes publicly available and binding for its addressees – courts, the prosecutor’s office, investigative authorities, and society.

The simultaneous publication of amendments to both the Criminal Law and the law “On the Procedure for the Entry into Force and Application of the Criminal Law” indicates that changes to criminal law norms are being coordinated with the rules for the entry into force and application of this law. This accompanying law determines how the norms of the Criminal Law are applicable over time and in relation to previously committed acts.

Two Criminal Law-Related Laws in One Issue

• “Amendment to the Criminal Law” – 7th item of the publication, law, reference OP 2026/193.
• “Amendment to the Law “On the Procedure for the Entry into Force and Application of the Criminal Law”” – 8th item of the publication, law, reference OP 2026/193.
• Both are included in the “CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS” section, issuer Saeima.

Volume of Legislative Work in the Same Issue

In the same issue No. 193 of October 7, 2026, the Saeima also published other laws, indicating a broad legislative package:

• “Law on Clinical University Hospitals” – a new law.
• “Amendments to the Medical Practice Law”.
• “Amendments to the Construction Law”.
• “Amendments to the Weapons Act”.
• “Amendments to the Law on Remuneration of Officials and Employees of State and Local Government Institutions”.
• “Amendments to the Land Register Law” and “Amendment to the Law “On the Registration of Real Estate in Land Registers””.

Official Publication and Accessibility

Issue No. 193 was published on October 7, 2026, with the summary reference OP 2026/193; its content is available on the official website www.vestnesis.lv in the publication at the address https://www.vestnesis.lv/url/16994?content=1. The publication also indicates the volume of official notices, including auctions, inheritance notices, company register notices, and court summons.

CONCLUSION

Amendments to the Criminal Law are one of the most sensitive genres of legislation, as they define the elements of criminal offenses and penalties, thereby directly affecting judicial practice and public safety. Official publication in “Latvijas Vēstnesis” is the reference point from which law enforcers and residents can verify the content and application procedure of the norms currently in force.

Official source: Official publication of the Republic of Latvia “Latvijas Vēstnesis”, October 7, 2026, No. 193, reference OP 2026/193, section “CONSTITUTIONAL INSTITUTIONS”: 7. “Amendment to the Criminal Law”; 8. “Amendment to the law “On the Entry into Force and Application Procedure of the Criminal Law””. Publication: https://www.vestnesis.lv/url/16994?content=1.