On November 6, 2026, the Senate concluded its work on a package of legislative reforms prepared by the Ministry of Justice, aimed at modernizing the judicial system. The Senate adopted three of the four proposed bills without introducing any amendments. These documents concern the improvement of court operations, increased accessibility for people with disabilities, and the standardization of procedural procedures. The adopted legal acts will now be submitted to the President of the Republic for signature, paving the way for their entry into force after formalities are completed.
Regulations on Accessibility and Digitization
One of the key parts of the package is an amendment to the Act - Law on the System of Ordinary Courts. These changes aim to ensure full accessibility of court proceedings for deaf persons. According to the adopted text, free support from a sign language interpreter is guaranteed at every stage of the proceedings, eliminating communication barriers previously present in courts.
The Act also introduces significant changes in the area of digitization. The implementation of IT solutions enabling the maintenance of central, electronic lists of court experts is planned. This is intended to streamline the process of appointing specialists and increase the transparency of these activities. The document also provides for further development of digital infrastructure in the judiciary and the raising of information system security standards, which is crucial for data protection and the continuity of court operations amid growing cyber threats.
Improvements in Criminal Procedure
The second bill adopted without amendments is an amendment to the Act - Code of Criminal Procedure and the Act on Electronic Service. The aim of this regulation is to increase the dynamics of criminal proceedings by improving procedural mechanisms. Particular emphasis has been placed on strengthening the protection of personal data of witnesses participating in the proceedings.
The amendment integrates solutions in the field of electronic service, adjusting procedural norms to current technological capabilities and the state of forensic knowledge. The goal is for procedures to be not only faster but also safer in terms of data and the use of modern tools in evidence handling.
Standardization of Procedural Instructions
The third adopted law also concerns changes in the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on the standardization of instructions. The project expands and orders the scope of information provided to the accused, the victim, and the witness at the court stage. This aims to raise the legal awareness of participants in proceedings and ensure them uniform access to information about their rights and obligations.
To ensure consistency, the Minister of Justice has been authorized to specify the forms of written instructions by means of regulation. This will ensure that the content of the instructions is uniform throughout the country, facilitating their understanding and enforcement.
Amendments to the Institutional Law
The fourth element of the package, concerning the Law on the System of Ordinary Courts, Military Courts, and the Law on the Prosecutor's Office, was not adopted in its original version. The Senate passed amendments to this amendment, and as a result, the bill has returned to the Sejm. This regulation concerns the rules for judges entering retirement after reaching a certain age and a comprehensive reform of the institution of judge delegation. It introduces precise frameworks and limitations, with particular emphasis on non-judicial delegations.
The Marshal of the Sejm will refer the amendments adopted by the Senate to the appropriate Sejm committee, which will issue an opinion on them. The fate of this bill now depends on further work in the lower house of parliament.