Reports

Abstract Advanced air mobility systems encompass a wide range of new aircraft capable of vertical takeoff with diverse propulsion systems (primarily electric), enabling on-demand transportation of passengers and goods (meaning unplanned) as well as special aerial operations (in agriculture, natural resources, industry, civil defense, and emergency services) safely, cleanly, and efficiently for short and medium-haul flights. Globally, various perspectives exist regarding legal aspects, addressing widespread challenges, and legal barriers, particularly concerning the issues of intelligence and autonomy of vehicles, as well as the diversity in governance approaches in dealing with technology transfer and the utilization of advanced air systems. This report identifies these considerations, limitations, and requirements of advanced air mobility systems as comprehensively as possible, categorizing and explaining them into five general frameworks: "Technology and Industrial Capability," "Physical and Communication Infrastructure," "Policy and Legislation," "Capacity Identification," and "Social Acceptance." Additionally, key internal and external factors influencing the limitations and opportunities for the development of this field in our country are identified, and suggestions are provided at the end.

Abstract In paragraphs "4 and 15" of the general policies of the legislative system, the necessity of enacting laws required to realize the general policies of the system and designating these policies as legislative priorities is explicitly stated. In Note "2" of Article (3) of the Regulation on Monitoring the Proper Implementation of the General Policies of the System, approved in 2023 by the Supreme Leader, several general policies are specified as requiring the establishment of a comprehensive realization program, including necessary legislative actions. Among these policies are the general policies of resistance economy and national production, supporting Iranian labor and capital. Drafting a law to implement these policies without considering their requirements may practically lead to the failure to achieve the intended general policy. Therefore, this report discusses the requirements for drafting the law on implementing the general policies of resistance economy and national production, supporting Iranian labor and capital in two sections: general legal necessities (requirements).

Abstract The institution of endowment has historically played diverse roles in various social domains, particularly in reviving religious culture. Gradually, with the formation of the state institution, the social role of endowment diminished; to the extent that the management of endowments in today's Iran largely operates as an independent entity, detached from other religious and social activities of the state and the public, while other religious institutions, often funded through state resources, consistently face a shortage of adequate and sustainable financial resources. In other words, the endowment institution in the country should be regarded as one with an unacceptable level of coordination and compatibility with the state institution, which, as acknowledged by all, has not yet realized its immense potential capacity to meet the needs of today's Iranian society and even religious needs. Accordingly, the issue of this report is to explore the challenges of inter-organizational cooperation between the Endowment and Charity Organization and religious institutions at the level of policy-legal documents. Therefore, the main identified challenges include: "The predominance of a managerial approach over the supervisory role of the Endowment and Charity Organization," "A serious gap in policymaking and legislation at macro, mid-level, and micro levels," "A gap in evaluating the performance of the Endowment and Charity Organization, particularly from the perspective of inter-organizational cooperation," and "A lack of a strategic document for endowment and charity and the absence of a governance system for endowment in the country." Key policy recommendations include: "Transferring (or merging) the activities and structures of the religious affairs of the Endowment and Charity Organization to related religious institutions," "Drafting a national document on endowment and charity centered on the core collaboration between the Endowment and Charity Organization and religious institutions, coordinated with these institutions," "Establishing a transparency system for the Endowment and Charity Organization with public and institutional access," and "Forming a steering committee for the executive policies of the Endowment and Charity Organization under the office of the Supreme Leader."

Abstract According to paragraph "3" of the general policies of the seventh program, "Inventory and transparency of government debts and public obligations and the management and payment of debts" is one of the methods for "reforming the structure of the government budget." The question arises: what are the legal necessities governing the management and payment of government debts and public obligations? The answer to this question is the subject of this report. The research method of this report is qualitative (descriptive-analytical) and utilizes library resources (Constitution, high-level documents, laws, and regulations). It seems that in reforming the current situation of managing and paying government debts and public obligations, the proposals included in this report, which consist of legislative and supervisory actions by the Islamic Consultative Assembly and other legal authorities, should be taken into account.

Abstract One of the necessities of legislation is the effectiveness of the law. The effectiveness of a law is the extent to which its objectives are achieved. One of the requirements that guarantees this is the legislators' proper attention to adhering to the principles and rules of legislation. Neglecting this point, regarding which laws are being amended, repealed, or revised by the draft or bill under consideration, will lead to chaos in the legislative system. Therefore, for a law to be effective, its relationship with existing laws must be examined, which was addressed in report number 19062. Given the latest legal developments in the country after the submission of the bill for the addition of certain articles to the Law on Regulating Some Financial Regulations of the Government (3), due to the importance of this issue, this research uses a descriptive-analytical method to answer the question: from a clarification perspective, in addition to the current laws of the country, what impact will the approval of the seventh program law and the law on financing production and infrastructure have on the mentioned bill? In response, it should be noted that the investigations indicate that the provisions of the addition bill (3), considering the relevant provisions in the current laws of the country, especially the seventh program law and the law on financing production and infrastructure, require clarification and revision.

Abstract This report examines the latest published version of the performance report of the National Development Fund (up to the end of January 2024) and analyzes its strengths and weaknesses. The National Development Fund was established with the aim of reducing budgetary reliance on oil revenues, decreasing the conversion of oil currencies to rials, transforming these resources into productive wealth, and preserving the share for future generations. However, investigations show that the fund's performance has deviated significantly from all these goals; allocating a large portion of the fund's expenditures to government budgetary needs, poor performance of the fund's loans in terms of capital return and profitability, allocating resources to non-governmental public institutions instead of the private sector, and spending part of the foreign currency resources for providing small rial loans are instances of the fund's performance deviating from its initial objectives. This report suggests that despite the improvement in the structure and transparency of the fund's performance report compared to the past, regular publication and provision of more accurate information regarding the fund's resources, expenditures, and performance can lead to greater public trust in this important institution in managing the country's oil resources. The report also recommends that to prevent excessive withdrawals by governments, a legal mechanism should be established to stabilize the foreign currency resources from oil entering the budget; a program should be developed to collect overdue claims of the fund from non-governmental public institutions, approved and pursued at the level of the fund's board of trustees; and the target investment areas of the fund should be reviewed within the framework of a comprehensive industrial development strategy and in coordination with the government to avoid excessive dependence of the fund's resources on the oil and gas sector and to mitigate risk accumulation in the fund.

Abstract Pre-marital education has been implemented as one of the important family programs in the country since the 1990s and has specifically been addressed under Article (8) of the Law on Facilitating Youth Marriage and Article (38) of the Law on Family Support and Population Growth. Due to the long history and importance of pre-marital education programs in strengthening families, an examination of the challenges and barriers to its implementation was conducted. The results indicate that fragmentation and lack of coherence in objectives have led to issues such as inadequate planning for developing effective content. The inconsistency of the overall subject of this education with the executing authority, the inability of implementation structures to coordinate inter-organizationally and intra-organizationally, are also other structural problems. Unclear processes for selecting trainers, low remuneration, and a shortage of trainers in some centers, inappropriate timing for classes, heterogeneity of the audience, and limitations of health centers are additional challenges to the implementation of this legal provision. Therefore, the existing barriers and challenges to achieving the goals of pre-marital education programs, including reducing divorce rates and impacting family stability, have faced disruptions and reduced the effectiveness of the law. Consequently, it is suggested that a review of the necessity and rationale for these educational programs, the selection methods for trainers, and the educational content suitable for diverse audiences be prioritized.

Abstract Cinema plays an irreplaceable role in shaping public culture and lifestyle and in transmitting cultural values. Film production and screening licenses are among the most important regulatory tools in this field. In recent years, licensing statistics show relative stability in the licensing process and the impact of specific conditions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. An examination of relevant high-level documents indicates two predominant approaches: "support and facilitation of infrastructure and processes" and "thematic and content-oriented direction of works." Additionally, the approval of regulations and executive standards in this area and their repeated amendments reflect policymakers' ongoing attention to this issue. Existing regulations and guidelines have created a regulatory framework with prior oversight, which, while considering the roles of structures and industry actors, ultimately places decision-making in the hands of the relevant government institution. In this context, the most central policy and legislative issues and challenges in this area include: considerations for issuing film production licenses, variability in prohibition criteria and occasional subjectivity in evaluating and reviewing works, the lack of professionalism among producers, and the insufficient role of guilds in policymaking and regulation processes. To address these issues, the following solutions are proposed: establishing the "Regulations for Issuing Film Production and Screening Licenses" as the foundation of the licensing and screening system, improving the film production licensing structure, supporting the formation and development of professional film production companies, refining and clarifying content review criteria, adopting a supportive and protective approach to culture in quality assessments, creating a rating system for film screenings, and strengthening the position of institutions and industry actors in decision-making processes.

Abstract The official registration of transactions and properties is one of the fundamental infrastructures for exercising governance and developing judicial health in the country. Accordingly, the development of official registration is not only a legal obligation in accordance with the general policies of the system and current laws but also creates significant capacities that require careful consideration. Reducing judicial cases, preventing crimes, strengthening the ownership of the state and individuals, creating a basis for planning and exercising sovereignty for the government in relevant areas, including real estate and land, and protecting immovable property are among the most important achievements and capacities that the development of official registration creates in the country. Therefore, the development of official registration and its related infrastructures, including the necessity of achieving 100% progress in land registration, which is part of the general policies of the system in the seventh program, should be regarded as a unique capacity that deserves the attention of all three branches of government, given the numerous advantages and benefits it will bring to the legal system of the country and economic planning.

Abstract Work in occupational environments has always been associated with various types of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. Currently, occupational accidents are the third leading cause of death worldwide and the second in Iran after road traffic accidents. Various studies and evidence indicate that working in the mining sector is more dangerous compared to many other professions. In this context, the occurrence of multiple work-related accidents in mines during the first six months of 2024 and the increasing rate compared to previous years, along with a significant rise in the number of fatalities from these accidents, serves as a serious warning and a renewed call to review policies related to workplace safety and the social rights of workers. This report aims to review the history of laws concerning work-related accidents and mine safety, addressing the foundations of workers' social rights in work-related accidents in three areas: prevention, rehabilitation, and compensation. Additionally, a brief description of the coal mine accident in the Juy Tabas mine highlights the main factors contributing to it and suggests strategies for preventing similar incidents. Key factors contributing to the accident in this mine include the lack of a monitoring and automatic gas detection system, failure to conduct gas removal operations, and the ineffectiveness of the inspection structure of the mine. To prevent the recurrence of similar accidents, strategies such as training and enhancing the safety knowledge and skills of stakeholders, standardizing safety devices and equipment in mines, reforming the oversight and inspection structure for mine safety, revising, separating, and prioritizing safety regulations for mines, and amending inspection laws and the legal responsibilities of inspectors are deemed necessary.

Abstract The threats of doping and the misuse of banned substances are particularly serious from a health perspective. The prevalence of doping among athletes in the country is a significant concern, and since there is no reliable statistical and analytical information regarding the status of doping in Iranian sports, this study aims to examine the challenges of doping and provide strategic recommendations to enhance the framework for combating doping in the country's sports. According to findings, there is no reliable statistical information regarding fitness doping, and the existence of some cases leading to fatalities represents irreparable disasters in this area. The positive doping rates are higher in bodybuilding and fitness, judo/kuras, weightlifting, wrestling, and athletics compared to other sports. Steroids are the most commonly used substances among doping athletes. The primary function of the National Anti-Doping Organization has been conducting doping tests, while it faces serious challenges in areas such as performance compliance management. The budget of the National Anti-Doping Organization is dependent on the Sports Medicine Federation, whereas according to the law, the organization should operate independently of the sports sector and the government. Recommendations for enhancing the framework for combating doping in Iran include allocating an independent budget line by the Planning and Budget Organization to the organization; transforming the National Anti-Doping Organization into an Anti-Doping Agency; developing preventive educational policies and strategies focusing on fitness doping and high-risk sports; overseeing the collaboration of Iran's NADO, state media, and education in raising awareness about the dangers of doping; establishing and implementing a mechanism for recording deaths caused by the use of performance-enhancing substances by forensic medicine; documenting criminal cases related to doping; strengthening oversight actions; and increasing inter-sectoral cooperation to control common anabolic steroids.

Abstract According to the first report on the institutional architecture of Iran's communication and media devices, three categories of major challenges and issues were identified: "inter-institutional and inter-agency communications," "regulatory and oversight frameworks," and "clear and fair facilitation mechanisms." In the present report, ways to address these issues in selected countries worldwide were studied and analyzed. To examine the first category, the emphasis was placed on the convergence index in telecommunications (communications) and public broadcasting in three countries: the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Systemic convergence in some models and unified governance was identified as the overall response in this section. To address the second category, the European approach to regulation was examined. This section highlighted lessons learned in response to rapid technological changes and evolving audience behaviors. For the third category, various facilitation models were first identified in a general survey, and then the facilitative actions of the European Union at various policy, legislative, and institutional levels were narrated as a leading example. Ultimately, it was shown that facilitation and support, through the expansion of the theoretical meaning of this layer, can act as a modifier of the entire media system. Finally, the following policy strategies were proposed: Centralized governance of the media sector in its broadest sense, in line with the context and general policies, Updating national laws in accordance with four issues: independence, intellectual property, data protection, and market development, Updating the responsibilities of institutions in line with the evolution of media, A simple centralized organizational structure to ensure active and effective participation in media, Utilizing new media management mechanisms based on modern governance approaches.

Abstract Decisions regarding the national university entrance exam affect a large population. Therefore, decision-making in this regard must be logical, scientific, evidence-based, and agile. Despite the establishment of the Student Assessment and Admission Council in the "Law on Student Assessment and Admission to Universities and Higher Education Institutions" approved in 2013 by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the determination of the council's key responsibilities such as planning and coordinating student assessment and admission, decision-making regarding regulations on admission methods and the impact of each factor, including academic history, general exam, and specialized exam on student assessment, has faced serious inaction from this council in recent years. Additionally, the determination of executive regulations such as the frequency of exam administration, the definitive impact and share of academic history, the method of grade improvement, and other similar executive matters has always been a point of contention between the Parliament and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, for the following reasons, the aforementioned council should be revived as the central decision-making body in these matters. Flexibility and speed in decision-making, engagement in technical and content-related issues, adherence to decision-making and policy-making levels, ease of access to data for evidence-based decision-making, and compliance with enforceable laws are reasons that strengthen the necessity for the council's involvement in the national university entrance exam. In other words, due to technical necessities and the continuous changes in the national university entrance exam, the involvement of other policy-making levels such as the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution in determining the technical and executive regulations of the exam is not justified. It is worth noting that the positive outcomes of this event will include coordination, policy coherence, resolution of confusion, and increased trust of stakeholders in policymakers.

Abstract The bill for the accession of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Agreement on the Joint Use of Wagons and Cargo Containers belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Estonia was approved by the Council of Ministers on 6th May 2024 (17/04/1403) at the proposal of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and was sent to the Islamic Consultative Assembly for legal formalities. This bill was discussed and exchanged in the Civil Commission as the main commission with the presence of officials from relevant executive bodies and experts from the Research Center of the Assembly, and was approved in the session on 7th October 2024 (15/07/1403) with amendments to the title and text as follows: Commission Resolution: "Title: The Bill for the Accession of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Agreement on the Joint Use of Railway Cars (Wagons) and Cargo Containers belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Estonia. Single Article - The Agreement on the Joint Use of Railway Cars (Wagons) and Cargo Containers belonging to the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Republic of Estonia, consisting of a preamble and five articles as attached, is approved, and the exchange of its documents is permitted. Note: In the implementation of this agreement and its subsequent amendments, adherence to Articles 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran is mandatory."

Abstract The protection of cultural and historical heritage in Iran has so far been conducted in a centralized manner from top to bottom, which has limited public participation. Therefore, to improve this situation, a participatory approach between the government and the people is necessary. The bill for the amendment of the law on the protection of restoration and revitalization of historical-cultural textures has been drafted with a focus on creating economic incentives such as tax exemptions and low-interest facilities for restoration and the possibility of commercial use of historical works. Therefore, its general principles are approved. However, the lack of specific financial resources and the ambiguity in commercial utilization are among the weaknesses of this bill. If suggestions such as emphasizing joint ownership, clarifying commercial utilization, adding insurance to facilities, and determining sustainable revenue sources for the implementation of the law are considered, the details of the bill are approved.

Abstract The proposal to remove the abstention vote from the legislative process and voting in the Parliament, registered as number 279 in the twelfth term, aims to eliminate this option from the internal regulations of the Parliament. This paper examines the subject and analyzes its advantages and disadvantages descriptively and analytically using library resources, concluding that limiting the abstention vote facilitates legislative processes in Parliament and encourages representatives to make sufficient efforts to cast a favorable or unfavorable vote. However, the political implications of the abstention vote cannot be ignored, as its removal may lead to restrictions on the political expressions of representatives. Therefore, it is concluded that reducing the scope of abstention votes to supervisory matters and eliminating the possibility of abstention votes on legislative matters, as well as changing the terms "in favor and against" in the internal regulations of the Parliament to "in favor and not in favor" to maintain standards for representatives who, despite sufficient efforts, do not reach a quorum, could be a suitable solution.

Abstract The bill for the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Finland to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion regarding income taxes was sent to the Islamic Consultative Assembly in the previous government and was again approved by the Council of Ministers in the session on 18th September 2024 (28/06/1403) and sent to the Assembly. This agreement was drafted in Tehran on 7th February 2022 (18th Bahman 1400) in Persian, Finnish, and English, with all three texts having equal validity. In case of any discrepancies in interpretation, the English text shall prevail. The approval of this commission report is recommended to prevent double taxation and tax evasion, as well as to strengthen international relations.

Abstract The transformation and elevation of the legislative system is essential for creating change in the governance system of the country. Currently, one of the main paths for the transformation of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which symbolizes democracy, is the enhancement of legislative, supervisory, and budgeting functions through smart technologies and the utilization of modern technologies. Smart technologies not only facilitate and improve the quality of decisions but also pave the way for anticipating social feedback and achieving operational solutions, as well as benefiting from citizen participation, ultimately leading to the efficiency of the governance system and the growth of citizens. The parliament can effectively and efficiently utilize smart tools in both of its main areas of operation, namely legislation and oversight of the implementation of laws, with this report focusing on the smart oversight. Smart technologies guide the parliament towards data-driven decision-making and, in addition to creating a platform for public participation in overseeing the executive branch and government decisions, increase transparency and accountability of the executors and enhance the supervisory function of the parliament. This research examines the principles governing smart parliamentary oversight, the necessary infrastructure, tools, and challenges of achieving this based on the study of existing resources; it outlines the process of smart parliamentary oversight in the country and finally presents suggestions for smartening the oversight processes of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abstract One of the ways to socialize convicts and reduce the effects and consequences of remaining in foreign prisons is to provide the opportunity for that person to serve their sentence in the prisons of their home country. Although consequences such as an increase in the number of prisoners in the country's prisons arise from this, these individuals can benefit from opportunities such as visiting immediate family members, leave, etc., while naturally, these opportunities are not available in the prisons of the country where the crime was committed. Providing this platform internationally has been achieved for years through bilateral agreements. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam have concluded an agreement in this regard. This treaty has been sent to the esteemed Guardian Council after being approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and this council has raised an objection regarding the prohibition of increasing punishment without a requirement stated in paragraph 2 of Article 8 of the agreement.

Abstract Countries that have extensive communications with each other typically enhance their level of cooperation through the conclusion of various agreements, including economic, cultural, etc. One of the agreements worth mentioning in this regard is bilateral legal cooperation treaties, which can be divided into several categories, including treaties for the extradition of convicts, transfer of convicts, and legal and judicial cooperation mechanisms such as training human resources. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India, by concluding a mutual legal assistance agreement in civil and commercial matters, aim to provide the groundwork for the delivery of documents, hearing witness testimonies, collecting evidence, etc. The mutual legal assistance agreement in civil and commercial matters between the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of the Republic of India has been sent to the esteemed Guardian Council after being approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and the esteemed Guardian Council has also raised an objection regarding its inconsistency with Article 15 of the Constitution, as will be explained.

Abstract This report examines the dimensions of the "Bill for Allowing the Increase of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Shares in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Affiliated Institutions of the World Bank Group." The quotas in these institutions play a decisive role in the governance structure and influence of member countries, as the level of investment by each country determines its voting power and influence in major decision-making. Iran ranks twentieth in terms of quota and voting power in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, holding 1.30% of the shares and 1.25% of the total voting rights. In the International Finance Corporation, Iran holds 0.05% of the total investments and 0.07% of the total voting rights, ranking 102nd among member countries. According to the capital increase resolutions, Iran has been allocated 3,358 shares in the general capital increase and 2,121 shares in the selective capital increase in the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In the International Finance Corporation, a total of 47,426 shares have been allocated to Iran. Despite Iran's participation in these institutions, data shows that support from these two institutions for Iran has been limited over the past two decades, and countries with lower quotas and voting power have been able to benefit from more support. Nevertheless, participation in the capital increase is necessary to maintain the country's position in these two international institutions.

Abstract Qeshm Island, as the most populous Iranian island and the largest island in the Persian Gulf, with an area of over 1,491 square kilometers, is located 37 kilometers south of Bandar Abbas, at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz and along the maritime routes from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean. This island, situated north of the Strait of Hormuz, benefits from a unique geographical position between the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Since 1993 (1372 in the Iranian calendar), an area of 300 square kilometers on this island has been designated as the Qeshm Free Zone; the rest of the island (except for military and security centers) is a special economic zone, with the same organization responsible for it being the Qeshm Free Zone Organization. In addition to its strategic location, Qeshm has multiple capacities in the fields of energy, logistics, trade, fisheries, tourism, bunkering, industry, mining, and more. There is also potential for creating opportunities and advantages in technology, finance, and other areas in Qeshm. The expansion of economic activities on this island, especially through attracting foreign investments, can serve as a competitor to other free zones in neighboring countries and contribute to the country's economic growth, as the potential of this island for development is significantly greater than that of the free zones in other Persian Gulf countries.

Abstract According to the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, two general duties are assigned to the representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which include legislation and oversight of the proper flow of affairs. Due to the elective nature of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the representatives' dependence on the votes of the people in their electoral districts, along with the absence of political parties, an unwritten duty has been placed on the representatives to respond to the executive requests of the people in their electoral districts, which in some cases even prevents them from fulfilling their primary duties. These requests, which encompass a wide range of various matters, are increasingly growing in scope and depth. This trend has created multiple problems for carrying out representative duties, and it is essential to take necessary measures to reform it. Apart from how to address these problems, managing the affairs related to representation requires specific facilities, one of the most important of which is currently organizing the status of managing representatives' offices. Therefore, this report critically examines the main challenges faced by representatives in managing their offices in electoral districts and attempts to introduce the most optimal solutions to address these issues. The primary data for this report was obtained through semi-structured interviews with nearly fifty members of the 11th Parliament, and supplementary data was collected through library research.

Abstract The foreign policy of countries consists of a set of positions, actions, and decisions that national governments take towards each other or towards international organizations, with the main goal of securing the interests of the national government as a unified entity. Foreign policy involves action and reaction; a specific government may initiate an action or respond to the actions of others. Therefore, the bill of the agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Portugal has been concluded with the aim of strengthening friendly relations through the promotion and expansion of cooperation in the fields of language, education, culture, sports, youth, tourism, and mass media. The mentioned bill was introduced to the Islamic Consultative Assembly on February 1, 2025 (13/11/1403 in the Iranian calendar) with registration number 204. After expert reviews at the Research Center of the Assembly and the presentation of the report numbered 20386, as well as the examination of the bill in the Cultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, some amendments were made to the government's bill. Given the limitations on making amendments to the text of the agreement, minor amendments were made regarding the note of the single article of the bill by adding two principles from Articles 77 and 125 of the Constitution and changing the scope of this note from Article 24 of the bill to all its provisions. It is noteworthy that the report of the Assembly on the bill is approved in terms of its generalities and details, and despite the existing limitations for making changes to the texts of cooperation agreements between countries, a suitable amendment has been made to the initial text of the bill. Regarding the implementation of the agreement, two issues require oversight: the protection of the authenticity of educational materials, specifically the history lesson (paragraph "T" of Article 5 of the agreement), and attention to projects that have exceeded the implementation deadline (part "1" of Article 26 of the agreement).

Abstract The "insurance industry" is one of the most important sectors of the financial and economic system of any country. This industry has multiple and beneficial functions for the economic system and industries of countries. Coverage of various risks and financial provision are among the most important of these functions. Achieving the beneficial functions of the insurance industry requires proper regulation. This report, which is the first in a series of reports studying the experiences of various countries in the insurance industry, examines the objectives, duties, and powers of the insurance industry regulator in China. China ranks second globally in terms of the amount of premiums collected in the insurance industry, and evaluating its regulation is significant given the vast scale of its economy and industry. Among the main objectives of regulating the insurance industry in China are: regulating insurance activities, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of stakeholders, strengthening oversight and control of the insurance industry, and promoting the healthy development of the insurance industry. To achieve these objectives, the regulatory and supervisory authority of the insurance industry in this country, which operates under the central government of China, has duties and powers mentioned in the relevant laws, including granting and revoking licenses for insurance industry players, addressing unfair competition in the insurance market, approving the qualifications of human resources in insurance companies, determining the financial solvency criteria for insurance companies, and imposing disciplinary actions and fines on various players in the insurance industry.

Abstract Access to information and communication technologies by children and adolescents has brought about psychological and social risks and harms for them. Therefore, policymaking to enhance opportunities and reduce risks and harms for this vulnerable group of society is essential. Based on this premise, the aim of this paper is to identify the risks and harms of the digital environment for children and provide guidelines for improving legal frameworks in this area. The findings of this report indicate that the risks and harms in this area are serious, and children face a wide range of them in this environment. Although some laws include provisions for the protection of children in this regard, not all aspects of this issue have been addressed. The findings also show that addressing the risks and harms of the digital environment for children is a multidimensional issue, and it is necessary to consider the responsibilities of various sectors and dimensions of this issue.

Abstract The production index of the industrial sector based on listed industrial companies in 1403 (2024-2025) has decreased by 1% compared to 1402 (2023-2024), while the sales index has seen a slight increase of 0.2%. In Esfand 1403 (2025/03), the production and sales indices experienced decreases of 0.8% and 4.2%, respectively, compared to the same month of the previous year, while there were increases of 3.4% and 5.4% compared to the previous month. In Esfand 1403 (2025/03), the production and sales indices for the automotive and parts sector increased by 9.1% and 8.8%, respectively, compared to the same month of the previous year, while the production index decreased by 7.7% and the sales index increased by 9.7% compared to the previous month. The production and sales indices for the chemical sector, excluding pharmaceuticals, decreased by 3.1% and 4.9% compared to the same month of the previous year, while there were increases of 6.1% and 8.6% compared to the previous month. In Esfand 1403 (2025/03), the monthly growth rate of prices for listed industrial companies increased by 4.1%, and the year-on-year growth rate rose by 2.6 percentage points compared to the previous month, reaching 37%. It is noteworthy that the annual average price index for listed industrial activities in Esfand 1403 (2025/03) increased by 1.4 percentage points compared to the previous month, indicating a 27% increase.

Abstract Today, governments, businesses, and societies are aware of the importance and strategic value of data. Accordingly, the national macro-planning system must have a proper understanding of the necessity and importance of a data governance system and adopt a forward-looking, holistic, dynamic, preventive, and technology-adaptive approach to manage and protect various types of national, commercial, personal, open data, etc. The national data governance system plays a significant role in optimizing and increasing the coherence and efficiency of the country's decision-making system, enhancing the intelligence level of policymakers, increasing transparency, improving public trust, growing digital services, and increasing the share of the digital economy in gross domestic product. This report provides an overview of relevant domestic and international experiences in data governance, discusses the challenges ahead and trends influencing national data governance, refers to policy dualities and scenarios of national data governance, and finally presents policy recommendations in the field of national data governance.

Abstract The esteemed Guardian Council has stated regarding the agreement for the transfer of convicts between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that: "Some provisions of the mentioned resolution, including the generalization of paragraph (T) of Article 5, paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 10, Articles 11 and 13, and paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 16, have been deemed contrary to Islamic law." The Judicial and Legal Commission of the Assembly has also exercised its legal option to insist on the previous resolution of the Assembly.

Abstract The aim of this report is to examine the "Seventh Development Plan of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1403-1407)" (2024-2028) in terms of support for production and business through quantitative content analysis and to compare it with previous development plans. It is important to note that the method used in this report cannot fully indicate whether support for production and business has increased or decreased during the validity period of each development plan. This depends on content analysis; however, the quantitative analysis of word frequency can indicate the importance of the topic of support for production and business in various areas in the minds of policymakers and legislators. Types of support for production include 20 categories: currency support, insurance, financing, preferential, organizational, product purchase guarantees, tariff, market access, diplomatic, media-advertising, competition and facilitation of entry, infrastructure, technical and educational, judicial, general, intellectual property, tax, regulatory, regional, and input subsidies. Provisions for supporting production and business exist in 61 out of 120 articles of the Seventh Development Plan. In the Seventh Development Plan, approximately 24% of the supportive provisions are dedicated to the infrastructure sector, 17% to competition and facilitation of entry, and 8% to financing support.

Abstract Achieving meritocracy in the management of the public sector is one of the prerequisites for creating a proper administrative system and plays a fundamental role in enhancing justice, productivity, and satisfaction with public services. In this regard, Article (54) of the Civil Service Management Law emphasizes the adherence to specialized conditions and the career advancement path in the selection and appointment to professional management positions and has made provisions for establishing a competency system and creating stability in the service of professional managers. However, the objectives stated in this legal provision have not been adequately realized and implemented in the country's administrative system. Therefore, it seems that the lack of formulation of the principles and foundations of the competency system, existing ambiguities in the legal provisions of Article (54), weaknesses in the drafting of some executive regulations and instructions, the failure to implement some approved criteria by executive agencies, and the circumvention of the criteria related to specialized conditions and career advancement paths through the excessive and unbalanced alignment of professional managers with political officials or managers are among the reasons for the insufficient effectiveness of the competency system. Accordingly, it is suggested that the principles and foundations of the competency system be added in the form of an article to Chapter Eight of the Civil Service Management Law, and the criteria for alignment and the method of calculating the capacity of managers outside executive agencies be clarified. Additionally, the regulations related to the alignment of officials should be reviewed and revised, and it should be specified that one of the positions in the ministries is considered fixed at the level of deputy minister.

Abstract Behavioral sciences are currently used in various areas of the public sector to facilitate the implementation of policies and increase productivity. One of the concepts that governments use today to provide better services is e-government. This concept refers to the use of information and communication technology to provide services to citizens without the need for in-person visits, in an integrated manner, and at all hours of the day. One of the significant challenges in this regard is the acceptance of these services by the public, or in other words, transforming traditional habits of interaction with government offices—based on in-person visits and direct communication with government employees—into new habits based on the use of the internet, e-government systems, SMS, etc. Various theories have been proposed to predict the factors influencing the acceptance of this technology by the public, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Technology Acceptance Model, and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology; these theories address different components affecting technology acceptance. Given that behavioral sciences have a deep and reality-based understanding of human actions, they can propose effective interventions to improve public use of e-government services. For example, actions such as using popular figures to encourage people to use electronic services, considering the various conditions of citizens, and planning to enable citizens with any level of literacy and education to access e-government services can be highlighted.

Abstract The Kigali Agreement, an amendment to the Montreal Protocol, aims to gradually reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Although HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, they play a significant role as potent greenhouse gases in climate change. With the adoption of this agreement, member countries committed to reducing the production and consumption of HFCs through innovative approaches. Iran has also taken significant steps to protect the ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gases, improve energy efficiency, and develop clean technologies by enacting various laws and regulations, such as the Law on the Accession of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, resolutions regarding actions related to the National Participation Program for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the Law on Energy Consumption Pattern Reform. Given the existence of national legal requirements such as the issued policies, permanent laws, and the Seventh Five-Year Development Plan regarding the reduction of greenhouse gases, the approval of the bill for the amendment of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer in the Islamic Consultative Assembly is acceptable and endorsed. Among the benefits of joining this amendment are access to international financial resources, technology transfer, and improved energy efficiency. Conversely, not joining this amendment will lead to consequences such as trade restrictions and negative impacts on the environment.

Abstract The review of public resources and expenditures in the first eight months of 1403 (2024) shows that the realized resources in this period constitute 85% of the approved figure. Tax revenues, with a 43% share, have been the main source of financing, while oil revenues accounted for only 17% of the total realized resources. Additionally, the government's cash balance deficit during this period has reached 280 trillion tomans, which has been covered using resources from the National Development Fund, the treasury's working capital, non-payment of part of the receivable value-added tax, and resources specified in Article 125 of the Public Accounting Law. The performance of the resources of the Targeted Subsidies Organization in Note 8 of the budget law indicates that 55% of the approved resources have been realized, and it is predicted that there will be a deficit of 210 trillion tomans. It is noteworthy that the performance of the targeted subsidies resources is accompanied by the non-deposit of the National Development Fund's share from oil product exports. Overall, it is expected that by the end of 1403, 87% of the public budget resources will be realized, and assuming 100% allocation of expenditures, at least 325 trillion tomans of new resources will be needed. This deficit is expected to be covered through borrowing from the National Development Fund, issuing debt securities beyond the budget ceiling, and not allocating some expenditures. It is also noteworthy that, considering the payment of targeted subsidies from the public budget and the increase in pension fund costs due to the implementation of the equalization plan, it is expected that public expenditures will exceed 100%.

Abstract One of the key and fundamental laws in combating major economic crimes is the “Law on Punishing Disruptors in the Economic System of the Country.” This law, consisting of two articles and seven notes, was approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 19/9/1369 (1990 December 10) with the aim of maintaining economic order and preventing major damage to people's livelihoods in the post-war period when the country faced economic challenges and financial abuses in the supply and demand system in the market. However, due to the significant time elapsed since the approval of this law and the emergence of some new types and instances of economic crimes, as well as some ambiguities and legislative defects, it seems necessary to implement some amendments to this law. The “Draft Amendment to the Law on Punishing Disruptors in the Economic System of the Country” has also been submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 14/5/1403 (04/08/2024) with the aim of updating and addressing the gaps mentioned in this law. This report reviews the existing law's defects and examines the necessity of amending the discussed law.

Abstract One of the most important actions in developing a forward-looking governance ecosystem and improving policymaking is the development of future attachments. This tool helps policymakers better identify legislative blind spots and draft laws considering future developments. Based on conducted studies, the framework for future attachments includes analyzing laws from the perspective of future trends, potential scenarios, surprising events, future outlooks, and emerging issues. International experiences show that leading countries such as Finland, Estonia, Iceland, the United States, and Germany have institutionalized forward-looking approaches in their legislation. These countries utilize tools such as foresight commissions, future-oriented platforms, and evaluating laws based on various scenarios. The proposed framework in this research for future attachments includes dimensions such as analyzing future trends, examining scenarios, assessing the impact of potential events, clarifying policy outlooks, and reviewing emerging issues. Implementing this framework can help policymakers draft sustainable, flexible, and future-compatible laws. This study, using analytical and comparative methods, has examined successful global examples and proposed a local framework for developing future attachments that can improve forward-looking governance in the legislative system.

Abstract One of the foundations of smart parliamentary diplomacy is the screening of parliamentary assemblies and the creation of innovation and initiative to deepen balanced relations with these assemblies based on the priorities of the foreign policy of the Seventh Development Plan. The number of parliamentary assemblies is rapidly increasing based on geographical, linguistic, identity, functional, and aligned goals. Parliamentary assemblies seek to collectively manage the preemptive threats surrounding them and create wealth. The diplomatic strategy of the Twelfth Parliament aims to establish regional parliamentary assemblies, host parliamentary assemblies intelligently and selectively, prepare a four-year roadmap for parliamentary diplomacy of leaders, and utilize the 28 diplomatic capacities of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to enhance the added value of parliamentary diplomacy by 1407 (2028). This includes smart and creative participation of the Executive Deputy of the Legislative Branch in the World Secretaries-General Assemblies, preparing an atlas of parliamentary assemblies based on the political priorities of the Seventh Development Plan, identifying balanced parliamentary diplomatic capacities with the Union of Presidents of the Parliaments of Eurasian countries, sharing experiences and creativity in the Parliamentary Assembly of Non-Aligned Countries, identifying the diplomatic potentials of the Twelfth Parliament in the BRICS Parliamentary Assembly, establishing the Assembly of Presidents of the Parliaments of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries, and proposing the establishment of the Assembly of Presidents of the Parliaments of D-8 member countries. These are some strategies of the new revolutionary parliament to enhance transformation and efficiency in the field of parliamentary diplomacy, which play a significant role in realizing the visionary leader's directives for strengthening the position of parliamentary diplomacy in the Twelfth Parliament.

Abstract The Caspian Sea, as the largest enclosed body of water in the world, has an area of about 400,000 square kilometers and a volume of over 78,000 billion cubic meters. Protecting this important aquatic habitat is a significant responsibility that has gained attention from the neighboring countries in recent decades due to various environmental threats. On one hand, the existence of crude oil and gas reserves, which are extracted by some coastal countries without sufficient environmental considerations, leads to pollution, and on the other hand, pollutants from industrial centers, agricultural lands, and urban wastewater flow into this enclosed aquatic environment, causing the sea to face increasing pressures. This issue requires more attention from the countries in the region. The overall environmental protection program for this sea was developed following Iran's and the coastal countries' efforts in 1382 (2003-2004), and the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea (Tehran Convention), consisting of a preamble and 37 articles, was approved by all five coastal countries, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The law on the Convention was approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 10/03/1384 (2005). The Accession Document (Protocol) for Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment was presented to the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 04/12/1389 (2010) to prevent, reduce, and control marine environmental pollution and protect biodiversity and the rational use of its natural resources. This bill has been submitted to the Assembly for approval after undergoing legal formalities and review by the Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources, and Environment Commission with amendments.

Abstract Countries typically enhance their cooperation through various agreements, including economic, cultural, and others. One notable type of agreement is bilateral legal cooperation treaties, which can be divided into several categories, including treaties on the transfer of convicts, legal and judicial cooperation mechanisms, and extradition of criminals, such as the current treaty regarding the extradition of criminals between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Such treaties can stimulate the executive bodies of the country and help cover potential gaps in the national legal system by benefiting from a comparative view of the legal systems of other countries, while also facilitating interactions between the two countries and their citizens. The conclusion of such treaties enhances bilateral cooperation and significantly aids in the implementation and enforcement of civil laws and judgments. Therefore, from this perspective, it is considered beneficial and effective. The Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly has approved an amendment to the single article to comply with Articles 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the implementation or amendment of this agreement, which has been confirmed.

Abstract Criminal justice systems face challenges such as the increasing volume of incoming cases, prolonged litigation, and the ineffectiveness of punishments. To address these challenges, modern criminal policy solutions such as "decriminalization" and "judicial reform" are being utilized. The main goal of this approach is to optimize the performance of the criminal system and reduce the burden on the judiciary, which has also been emphasized in Iran's legal system during the Fourth Development Plan, the General Judicial Policies, and the Judicial Transformation Document. The "Bill for Decriminalization and the Removal of Certain Criminal Titles from Laws," focusing on decriminalization, aims to convert minor criminal titles into administrative violations and pursue their resolution through administrative mechanisms. The successful implementation of this bill requires adherence to requirements such as alignment with higher-level documents, compatibility with the Constitution, observance of due process principles, consideration of jurisprudential and religious aspects, strengthening alternative institutions, focusing on frequently occurring issues, public opinion persuasion, and continuous monitoring.

Abstract The "Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement in Civil Matters between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela," which was approved by the Cabinet on 19 September 2024, was announced in the Islamic Consultative Assembly on 20 October 2024. The Legal and Judicial Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly approved this bill with the amendment of the note below the single article, emphasizing adherence to Articles 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the implementation or amendment of this law. It should be noted that such treaties can stimulate the executive bodies of the country and help cover potential gaps in the national legal system by benefiting from a comparative view of the legal systems of other countries. At the same time, it facilitates interactions between the two countries and their citizens. The conclusion of such treaties enhances bilateral cooperation and aids in the implementation and enforcement of civil laws and judgments, thus being considered beneficial and effective. Given the mission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly in legislation, this report aims to identify concepts related to data and information by examining various knowledge sources, including scientific literature and expert opinions, and to identify legal gaps in this area by reviewing existing laws.

Abstract Countries with extensive communications typically enhance their level of cooperation through the conclusion of various agreements, including economic, cultural, and others. One of the notable agreements in this regard is bilateral legal cooperation treaties, which can be divided into several categories, including treaties on the extradition of convicts, the transfer of convicts, and legal and judicial cooperation mechanisms such as training human resources. In this context, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela are seeking to establish a framework for mutual assistance in criminal matters through the legal assistance agreement. The Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly has amended and approved the note below the single article to require adherence to Articles 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution in the implementation or amendment of the agreement, which is confirmed.

Abstract The existence of the Makran Coastal Development Organization is derived from Article (68) of the Permanent Provisions of Development. Since the enactment of this law in 2016, no action has been taken to operationalize it, and one of the reasons for this delay may be the wording of the article and its conditionality on budgetary allocations. However, in 2023, with the allocation of funds in the budget tables, the possibility of establishing the mentioned organization has emerged, marking a step forward. Nevertheless, regardless of subsequent actions by the government and parliament regarding the organization's statute, addressing the form and nature of this provision from the development law can provide insights into its nature and performance. Therefore, this analysis revisits Article (68) of the Permanent Provisions of Development, examining the legal drafting flaws and conflicts that may lead to operational ambiguities regarding the jurisdiction and scope of the organization. Thus, the approach of this report is to analyze the mentioned article from a legislative perspective and to propose amendments to clarify the ambiguities raised in this report. Although resolving these ambiguities in the statute, which determines the legal jurisdiction of this organization, is contingent upon subsequent legislative action, defining such boundaries may also lead to conflicts, especially in managing the Makran Coastal Development Organization.

Abstract Although the issue of green taxes has been considered as one of the environmental policy tools to create a balance between economic growth and environmental protection for over three decades in the country's laws, it was implemented with the approval of Note "1" of Article (38) of the Value Added Tax Law in 2008 and was more comprehensively incorporated into the laws of the country in the amended Value Added Tax Law in 2021. The implementation of green taxes in our country faces challenges such as instability and fluctuations in the timing and location of revenues generated from green taxes for municipalities, the allocation of a portion of the collected taxes to strengthen the monitoring infrastructure of the Environmental Protection Organization, overlaps and conflicts with environmental laws and regulations, lack of transparency in the expenditure of collected taxes, and the presence of corruption-prone practices. In this regard, to reform and strengthen the green tax cycle in the country, proposals such as separating green taxes from pollution fines, optimizing the expenditure of collected taxes based on prioritizing environmental projects, and allocating a portion of green taxes to the Environmental Protection Organization to strengthen monitoring infrastructure and to eligible units for enhancing efficiency and reducing pollution have been presented. At the end of the report, based on the above proposals, amendments to Article (27) and Article (40) of the Value Added Tax Law have been proposed.

Abstract The main objective of this study is to examine and analyze the institutional structure of the tobacco industry in Iran, institutionalization, and qualitative reform and enhancement of existing institutions. The research method is descriptive and statistical analysis. The tobacco industry has a consumer market of over 20 million people and an approximately 25% consumption rate of various tobacco products (cigarettes and hookah) with an estimated value of over 70 trillion tomans. This industry is also a quasi-monopoly, with over 70% controlled by two domestic companies licensed by international firms. Additionally, this industry is harmful to health, water-intensive in terms of crop cultivation, and classified as a valuable currency industry in terms of commercial position. Furthermore, over the past two decades, domestic production capacity has continuously decreased and is now around 10%. The findings of this study indicate that the Iranian tobacco industry currently faces three main challenges: inappropriate regulation in production and processing, inappropriate regulation in tobacco consumption and tax policies, and inefficiency or dysfunction in privatization efforts. The most important policy recommendation of this study is to clarify policy-governance objectives and strengthen governance in the tobacco industry, formulate and regulate policies primarily aimed at reducing tobacco consumption in the country, then reducing smuggling, controlling tobacco consumption, increasing the share of domestic production with the participation of international companies, and enhancing the tobacco value chain with stable tax policies and predictability, and finally increasing the role of the government by reviving the Tobacco Industry Headquarters by the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade.

Abstract Article (86) of the Social Security Law addresses the family allowance (child benefit) for social security beneficiaries. The conditions for receiving this allowance include having 720 days of insurance coverage, having a child under 18 years of age, the child not being employed, or the existence of an illness or disability that prevents the child from working. Considering the general population policies, the general social security policies, and the Family Support and Youth Population Law, as well as the lack of restrictions on child benefits in the Civil Service Management Law, it seems necessary to amend clause "a" of Article (86) of the Social Security Law to create uniformity in the laws and regulations related to workers' rights and benefits and to make the payment system for salaries and benefits fairer, aligning with family-centered legislation.

Abstract This document examines a bill aimed at amending Article (37) of the Social Security Law. According to the current law, the renewal of business licenses for business owners is contingent upon providing a clearance certificate for insurance premium payments to the Social Security Organization. However, this requirement creates problems for license renewal and the continuation of activities in cases where the employer is in the process of repaying their debts to the organization.

Abstract Oversight of the cooperative sector in Iran faces multiple challenges. The main reason for these challenges is the structural complexities and the multitude of governmental and non-governmental executive organizations in this sector. The lack of political supporters, absence of reporting criteria and methods, issues in oversight structures, problems arising from legal ambiguities in the cooperative sector, the lack of or non-use of appropriate oversight tools in dealing with various executive bodies, and the delay of other oversight institutions in providing statistics are some of these supervisory challenges. In contrast, in countries with fewer bureaucratic structures and organizations in the cooperative sector, oversight is conducted more simply and effectively. This study shows that to enhance parliamentary oversight over the cooperative sector, the following measures should be taken: Strengthen tools for holding non-governmental or extra-cabinet executive bodies accountable, Facilitate the receipt of online public reports, Place the amendment of certain laws related to the cooperative sector on the agenda, Reduce bureaucratic organizations as much as possible (optimizing and streamlining organizational dimensions). These actions will help resolve some of the issues faced by cooperators and subsequently reduce the high volume of cases requiring oversight. Additionally, this study indicates that oversight of non-financial matters and more general issues in the cooperative sector, which are listed in the text, can serve as a tool for the Islamic Consultative Assembly to guide and set policies for the dynamism of the cooperative sector and create vitality among cooperators.

Abstract In recent years, the governance system has shown a relatively serious attention and will to control and reduce addiction, recognized as the most prioritized social harm in the country. A notable example of this situation is the designation of addiction as one of the prioritized social harms in Article (80) of the Sixth Development Program Law and Articles (84 and 85) of the Seventh Progress Program Law. This attention, which is inherently positive, occurs under conditions where some experts and scholars believe that the policymaking apparatus has not adequately incorporated the lessons learned from previous policymaking experiences regarding addiction into its agenda and has not sufficiently utilized the existing knowledge and experience. In this context, one of the prerequisites for benefiting from past experiences is to monitor the policy history of addiction in development program laws, compare policy provisions with one another, and outline the trend of attention to this issue over the past decades. Accordingly, this report examines the laws from the First to the Seventh Development Programs and extracts the policy provisions related to addiction. In the next step, as part of a type of pre-evaluation of policies, the trend of attention to this issue in the six development programs and the related provisions in the Seventh Progress Program are evaluated in terms of the quality of formulation and attention to appropriate legislative indicators, and suggestions are made to enhance the capacities for drafting existing legal provisions.

Abstract Regarding financial convicts, legislation should be structured to create a balance between the rights of the convict and the rights of the creditor. The legislation must be designed in such a way that it does not facilitate the evasion of debt payment for the convict, while also not imposing excessive hardships on them. The proposed amendment to the Law on the Execution of Financial Sentences, enacted in 2015, addresses some provisions related to dowry due to the importance and necessity of revisiting the issue of imprisoning financial convicts, especially those related to dowry. This report examines the commission's approval regarding this matter. The general principles of this proposal are deemed appropriate, and the report highlights specific provisions within the proposal that require amendment or removal.

Abstract The Marrakech Treaty was adopted in 2013 with the aim of facilitating access for blind, visually impaired, and other reading disabled individuals to published works and came into force in 2016. This treaty creates exceptions in copyright laws, allowing for the production, distribution, and exchange of accessible copies of works, and is considered a protective treaty for individuals with disabilities. The goal of the treaty is to expand knowledge and facilitate the promotion of science and art for all members of society, particularly individuals with visual disabilities. In this context, Iran's accession to the Marrakech Treaty is a positive step towards supporting the rights of visually impaired individuals and ensuring their equitable access to information and knowledge. However, it should be noted that there are issues in Notes "2" and "3" of the bill that may create problems in the implementation of the treaty. This report not only identifies these issues but also suggests solutions for their amendment.

Abstract The "Bill for Referring the Dispute Between the Organization for the Development and Renovation of Industries of Iran (Iran Industrial Projects Management Company) and the Sataram Company to Arbitration" pertains to the non-compliance of the Sataram Company in fulfilling purchase orders and is submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly in accordance with Article (139) of the Constitution. Therefore, with the approval of the "Bill for Referring the Dispute Between the Organization for the Development and Renovation of Industries of Iran (Iran Industrial Projects Management Company) and the Sataram Company to Arbitration," it is agreed that Article (139) of the Constitution requires parliamentary approval for referring disputes related to public and state property to arbitration in important cases or when a foreign party is involved.

Abstract Urban development plans in Iran have gradually lost their initial effectiveness in dealing with the complex processes of urban development over the past sixty years, partly due to neglecting property rights in urban planning processes, particularly in determining land use and density. These plans create both damages and added value for owners affected by the rules of these plans. The transfer of development rights emerged in response to the inefficacy of development plans and aims to protect valuable lands by creating a balance between public and private interests, thereby organizing urban development. If a development rights transfer program is formulated within development plans, it can link property rights with planning and create interaction between development and conservation, facilitating the achievement of urban planning goals. However, due to the lack of necessary institutional, legal, and executive frameworks, this approach has not been able to move beyond theoretical discussions into practical application. One of the proposals within this approach is the "key-to-key" plan, which the legislator has emphasized in the renovation of dilapidated areas. Additionally, in Clause "Th" of Note "11" of the 2023 budget law and Article (52) of the Seventh Progress Program, it has been addressed with the aim of encouraging residents of dilapidated areas to participate in renovation. Finally, to implement this mechanism, solutions such as establishing a development rights transfer bank and creating development rights transfer offices have been proposed in the report.

Abstract   The transformation and enhancement of the legislative system is a crucial necessity for the governance system of the country. Currently, one of the main paths for the transformation of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which symbolizes religious democracy, is to strengthen and systematize public participation to enhance legislative, oversight, and budgeting functions. This participation not only facilitates and enhances the acceptance of decisions but also anticipates social feedback and achieves operational solutions, thereby contributing to the efficiency of the governance system and the growth of citizens. Legislative assemblies, as one of the essential pillars of governance, must utilize this vast public and intellectual capacity to conduct legislation and oversight by maximizing collective wisdom. Given the importance of this issue, this report aims to present a roadmap for smartening and popularizing the Islamic Consultative Assembly. This report categorizes citizen participation into four levels (awareness, consultation, engagement, and delegation) and five areas of citizen participation (problem identification and prioritization, drafting and shaping laws, evaluating regulations, overseeing the implementation of laws, and advocacy and strengthening representation). For each area and level of participation, the report outlines actions, proposed frameworks for implementing these actions, and institutional and organizational division of labor for utilizing these frameworks. Implementing the proposed framework will lead to the systematic and maximal use of public and intellectual capacities to enhance and transform the country's legislative system, ultimately resulting in the efficiency of the Islamic Consultative Assembly.

Abstract Today, participation in pension funds is one of the most important methods for securing individuals' futures during old age and facing risks throughout life, such as unemployment, disability, and death (survivor benefits). The incoming resources of the funds include various components, among which the "contributions of insured individuals and employers" are of high importance. On the other hand, the investment of resources to ensure the adequacy of retirees' benefits in pension funds is essential. Given the increasing number of retirees compared to insured individuals in the country, it is expected that the economic sector of pension funds will increasingly meet their expenditures; therefore, examining the performance of the investment sector of pension funds has become more critical. The main subject of this report is to review the investment performance of the Social Security Organization as the largest pension fund in the country, which manages approximately 230 economic enterprises. To this end, a historical examination of the formation of the organization's investments is necessary. In the performance evaluation section, aspects such as the ownership structure of the organization's subsidiaries, the contribution of each subsidiary to dividend provision, loss-making companies, and some performance measurement indicators are discussed. Finally, several key factors affecting the current situation, including defective corporate governance, the lack of a clear investment policy, and the transfer of loss-making companies to the organization, are mentioned.

Abstract Positive Life Centers, as a vast network consisting of about 10,000 social workers and activists, provide diverse services to over one million and one hundred thousand beneficiaries, facing numerous challenges; many of these challenges can be resolved through proper management of executive processes. The lack of a comprehensive legal framework to define the mission, duties, rights, and financial resources of these centers, budget shortages, delays in payments, inappropriate hierarchical relationships with centers, defective electronic systems, and ineffective performance evaluation systems are among these challenges. Investigations show that redefining the mission and responsibilities of these centers, along with reforming the management and expert processes related to them within the Welfare Organization, as well as redefining the interactive and behavioral model of the organization with these centers, can not only resolve these challenges but also unleash the vast potential trapped within these centers. On the other hand, eliminating or weakening such a broad social network, which forms the basis for supporting vulnerable individuals, is considered an unprofessional act and contrary to successful global practices. Therefore, it is suggested that actions such as drafting and approving regulations for welfare service centers (Positive Life), defining centers as social partners of the Welfare Organization, ensuring adequate funding and regular payments for the centers, increasing transparency in the licensing and oversight processes, and revising their performance evaluation system be prioritized.

Abstract The taxation plan on speculation and gambling, aimed at taxing unproductive activities, has been approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly in two parts: first, creating the necessary environment and framework for implementing the plan, and second, the mechanisms for taxing the assets covered by this plan. This plan is generally in line with the realization of the annual slogan and the directives of the Supreme Leader regarding investment in production and preventing investment in unproductive areas such as gold and currency, playing a significant role in directing investment. This plan, which was approved during the eleventh term of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, faced objections from the Guardian Council. Currently, the Economic Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly is preparing a corrective report on the mentioned plan to be approved in the open session of the Islamic Consultative Assembly. This report aims to review the Economic Commission's resolution regarding the objections raised by the Guardian Council. It seems that, in general, the mentioned resolution addresses the objections of the Guardian Council.

Abstract One of the ways to reintegrate convicted prisoners and reduce the effects and consequences of remaining in foreign prisons is to create the conditions for serving their sentence in their home country's prisons. Although this may lead to an increase in the number of prisoners in the country, these individuals can benefit from opportunities such as visiting immediate family members, leave, etc., which are not typically available in the prisons of the country where the crime was committed. Creating this framework internationally has been achieved for years through bilateral agreements. Countries that have prisoners from the other side in their prisons establish agreements for the transfer of convicts to facilitate the process of transferring these convicts, provided that all conditions such as dual criminality, remaining a specific period of the sentence, submitting a request, etc., are met, allowing the prisoner to be sent back to their home country to continue serving their sentence. The resolution of the Judicial and Legal Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly regarding the "Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Government of Malaysia on the International Transfer of Prisoners" is in this context. This commission has approved the government's bill with amendments to the text.

Abstract The interpretative plan of Part (13) of Clause 'B' of Article (9) of the Value Added Tax Law regarding the issuance fee of waybills by companies and transport institutions has been proposed in response to the question of whether the issuance fee of waybills by companies and transport institutions is subject to the tax exemption stipulated in Part (13) of Clause 'B' of Article (9) of the Value Added Tax Law. Research findings indicate that the answer to this question is affirmative.

Abstract Countries are paying special attention to adopting appropriate policies in line with the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies. In our country, with the emphasis of the Supreme Leader on being among the top ten countries in the world, planning for the development, regulation, and application of this technology has accelerated. Therefore, it is essential to establish the legal infrastructure in this area to determine and harmonize governance and institutional structures, quickly provide the necessary technical and operational infrastructure, and utilize the supervisory capacities of the Islamic Consultative Assembly to strengthen enforcement guarantees and oversight of the performance of responsible institutions. The national artificial intelligence plan, registered as number 248, addresses fundamental challenges in the development of artificial intelligence, including facilitating access to data, supporting small businesses and specialized forces in this field, and securing rapid and necessary funding with the help of the government and the private sector. Various provisions have been proposed in the form of institutional structuring or strengthening existing structures and supportive or facilitative actions, while attention to the "foundational" layer as the basis for the country's technological independence and power is one of the strengths of the plan. Therefore, it is suggested that the generalities of the plan be approved and the provisions of the plan be strengthened by addressing the objections and making necessary amendments.

Abstract Providing suitable land is one of the services considered by the government in the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans. In Chapter Two and Article (7) of the Comprehensive Law, the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development is obligated to provide suitable land for veterans with a disability of twenty-five percent (25%) and above, former prisoners of war, the spouses of martyrs, or the legal guardians of martyr's children. It is noteworthy that in October of this year, a memorandum of understanding was signed for cooperation between the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs and the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development to expedite the provision of services under Chapter Two of the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans, which includes 21 articles and 8 notes. In total, based on the information presented, since the beginning of this service, approximately 388,189 individuals are eligible for the benefits of Article (7) of the Comprehensive Law on Services for Veterans, of which 200,758 individuals have not benefited from the aforementioned privileges. In other words, about 52% have not yet benefited from the advantages of the mentioned article. According to the categorization of the veteran community eligible for the benefits of Article (7) of the Comprehensive Law, about 55% of martyr's children and 25% of veterans with disabilities above 25% are still waiting to receive the aforementioned benefits.

Abstract China, as the second-largest economy in the world and one of the largest producers globally, plays a special role in economic developments. Through the "Belt and Road" initiative, aimed at enhancing economic cooperation and increasing access to new markets by investing in infrastructure and facilitating economic development in various countries and regions, China has created numerous opportunities for industrial cooperation. By 2023, China had signed agreements on industrial cooperation with over 40 countries. These countries have developed cooperation in industrial fields and emerging industries; in the industrial sector, partnerships in traditional industries such as steel, non-ferrous metals, construction materials, automotive, engineering machinery, agriculture, and energy can be mentioned, while emerging industries include the digital economy, new energy vehicles, 5G, and nuclear energy and technology. Therefore, considering the signing of a 25-year cooperation agreement between Iran and China in 2021, it is essential to study China's industrial cooperation experiences with other countries to define suitable economic and industrial collaborations and optimally utilize this capacity. Thus, this research focuses on understanding China's overseas investments to evaluate industrial cooperation opportunities with China, using a case study of Chinese industrial parks in Belarus, Russia, Indonesia, and Zambia, and it seems necessary to adopt an active industrial policy and leverage the country's geopolitical position within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative.

Abstract Meta-governance is defined as a method for improving the governance process in decentralized networks composed of various institutions, which aims not only to effectively guide and manage governance networks but also to shape the structural environment of governance. Therefore, this report reviews the concept and types of common meta-governance models, discusses strategies and tools for meta-governance, and finally presents policy recommendations for the role of meta-governance in legislation. The recommendations include: redesigning institutions and reforming norms and legislative procedures to enhance the functions of meta-governance; strengthening mutual relations in the capacities of the parliamentary meta-governance through networking and coalition-building to enhance legislative functions; resolving conflicts and disputes in legislation using meta-governance tools; enhancing social capital and institutional trust in legislation among the public; engaging civil and private sectors in legislation with a focus on strengthening meta-governance functions; and designing and promoting effective discourses and narratives of meta-governance functions in legislation to enhance perceptual and cognitive effectiveness.

Abstract In the economy of any country, the government provides services that the market fails to supply. Therefore, the ratio of the size of the government to the entire economy should be optimal: if the government is too small, public services will not be available in the desired amount. If it is too large, private goods will not be produced sufficiently. The ratio of tax revenues to gross domestic product (GDP) is an indicator of the size of the government. To understand the implications regarding the optimal limit of this indicator, one can look at countries with more experience in tax collection. The first step in making this comparison is to standardize the definition of tax revenues. By doing this, the ratio of tax revenues to GDP in our country is calculated to be 9.9%. In contrast, this ratio for the average member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is 34.0%. In our country, this ratio is even lower than that of Mexico at 17%, Colombia at 20%, Turkey at 21%, and Chile at 24%. Therefore, the government's tax revenues in Iran are significantly below the optimal level. When looking at the components of revenues, this deficiency is evident across all bases. Compared to the tax-to-GDP ratio in the average OECD countries, social security contributions at 47% and corporate taxes at 41% perform the best; while personal income tax at 9% and property tax at 11% are considered the weakest bases, with taxes on goods and services at 30% falling in between. The central recommendation of the research is to increase tax revenues through the capacity of personal income tax.