Icelandic government sets ambitious legislative agenda with over 200 items including alcohol sales and immigration reforms

The Icelandic government has included over 200 items on its legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session, including a controversial bill to permit online sales of alcohol, as well as proposed changes to immigration laws.

A total of 217 items, comprising bills, proposals, and reports, are set for discussion. The Minister of Finance leads with 35 proposals, followed by the Minister of Environment with 28. Many of the items are repeats from the previous session, where they did not receive a resolution.

Among the contentious proposals is the alcohol e-commerce bill, which will be introduced next month by the Minister of Justice. This bill was also on the agenda last session but was never submitted for voting. Both the Progress Party and the Left-Green Movement have expressed strong opposition to the bill.

The Minister of Justice plans to submit a bill in November regarding amendments to immigration laws, along with another proposal allowing cemeteries to charge fees for storing corpses.

The Minister of Finance intends to reintroduce a proposal for the dissolution and settlement of the IL fund and to continue support for businesses in Grindavík. The Minister of Health is expected to table 21 proposals, including a bill to impose a tobacco tax on nicotine pouches.

Additional noteworthy bills include one from the Minister of Environment aimed at prioritizing electricity supply for households and small businesses, and another from the Minister of Education concerning free educational materials for children and youth. A proposal from the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding the implementation of Protocol 35 to the EEA agreement will also be reintroduced, as it was previously tabled without resolution.