Amman, April 14 (Petra) – The Lower House of Parliament on Monday approved the 13-article draft law establishing the Jordanian National Commission for Women for 2024 and referred the 2025 draft law regulating virtual asset transactions to the Parliamentary Digital Economy Committee.

The decisions were made during a legislative session chaired by Speaker Ahmad Safadi and attended by members of the government.
During the session, Minister of State Ahmad Oweidi Abbadi commended the Parliamentary Legal Committee for its diligent examination of the draft law, particularly Article 7, stressing that the highest authority within the Commission remains tied to the royal will.

On Article 5, the House endorsed the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s (Legal, Women, and Family Affairs) recommendation, including a provision authorizing the President to represent the Committee before "bodies, authorities, and institutions," following the removal of the word "all."

The same article stipulates that Council members be appointed by the Cabinet upon the President’s recommendation, with membership capped at 17 individuals from relevant ministries, public and private entities, civil society organizations, and experts. The amended text added representatives from the Chief Justice and General Iftaa' Departments.

The House also approved a clause limiting the renewal of membership to one term for non-government representatives.

Article 6, approved in its revised form, outlines the Council’s responsibilities, including setting general policy, approving the organizational structure, budget, and annual work plan, endorsing agreements, appointing a certified auditor, and issuing operational instructions.

On Article 7, the Lower House rejected a committee amendment and upheld the original government version, which mandates that the Secretary-General be appointed and dismissed by the Cabinet upon the President’s recommendation, with a royal decree accompanying the appointment.

The House also retained the original phrasing of Article 8, Paragraph (c), concerning revenue generated from administrative fees tied to the Commission’s programs and projects, reversing the committee's proposed language.

On April 9, the House had already approved four articles of the same draft law, following the Joint Parliamentary Committee’s review on April 6.

The law seeks to institutionalize the Jordanian National Commission for Women as a legally recognized civil society organization with financial and administrative independence, ensuring its sustainability and reinforcing its coordination with official and civil society institutions to empower women in political, economic, and social spheres.

Separately, the House referred the draft Virtual Assets Regulation Law for 2025 to the Digital Economy Committee. The bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for virtual asset transactions, define related activities, and monitor service providers to ensure compliance, safeguard market participants, and uphold financial stability.

The proposed legislation also outlines the Securities Commission’s authority to license virtual asset services, ensure adherence to licensing conditions, and take necessary measures to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism in alignment with international standards.

//Petra// AJ

14/04/2025 13:29:12