1. Using E-tools to promote public participation in law-making: Estonian experience
Kaidi Tingas, REC
10 December 2003

2. Today I Make Decisions-portrait
E-governmental initiative (launched 2001) to initiate citizens to take more active role of the law drafting
Two approaches:
ministries upload all their draft bills and amendments there, allowing people to review, comment on and make proposals on the legislative process
Citizens can submit their own ideas about the drafts or comment the proposals submitted by others as well as propose amendments to existing legislation

3. How it works? Citizen submit the idea
During 14 days the idea is available for making comments by other users
After the commenting period the idea goes back to the person who submitted it for future amendments
When the idea is amended registered users can give their votes to the idea
Ideas that gain support from other users are to submitted by a prime minister’s resolution to the relevant ministry
The public has continuous access and can monitor what happens to the idea

4. How it looks like?

9. Proposals for amendments
Extend transparency - combine the portal with the E-Justice system (people have a opportunity to monitor entire process)
Increase quality - Instead of present possibility to submit ideas anonymously the identification (sign-in using the ID-card or via Internet bank) is needed
Make it more user friendly - Possibility to get additional information about the subjects (where is the draft, who is working on it, etc) by