Participation of social and economic organizations in the legislative process in Poland

This study aims to help the Members of Parliament and other policy-makers in Poland to create a legislative process more conducive to public participation by presenting the various ways in which five Western democracies (Great Britain, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States) have approached policymaking in their countries. The document focuses on only new or existing parliamentary acts (statutes) and does not attempt to address the ministerial process of drafting and/or enforcing regulations. In Part I, country-specific chapters: provide an overview of the state structure, briefly describe the legislative process, and discuss access to information about current and future legislative initiatives and access to legislators and policymakers. A substantial portion of the material in this section comes from the International Human Rights Law Group book, entitled "In the Public Eye". Part II describes Poland"s legislative system. Chapters review the role of constitutional provisions and the mechanisms and rules for participation of the public in the legislative process; and describe tools and techniques used by lobbyists throughout the world to influence policy. Part III offers conclusions and recommendations of the Senate"s Lobbying Task Force. The Task Force"s objective is to improve internal parliamentary and government procedures toward the goal of increasing the openness of the legislative process. This, in turn, will allow for a legitimate and controlled increase in the participation and influence of social and economic organizations in policy development. Includes bibliography. (Author abstract, modified)