Government bills15
- HE 5/2026 vpPassed with amendments
Expanding and speeding up fine proceedings
The police and prosecutors will be able to resolve more clear-cut criminal cases directly with fines without district court proceedings. At the same time, undisputed claims for damages and substance testing costs can also be settled within the procedure.
17 Jun 2026 · passed without a vote - HE 83/2025 vpPassed
Excluding tax data from other crimes
Information provided in declarations for excise duty purposes will not be permitted to be used to investigate or prosecute other offences, such as smuggling. Following the change, evading taxes on illegally imported products can once again be penalised as tax fraud without being prevented by the privilege against self-incrimination.
10 Apr 2026 · passed without a vote - HE 188/2025 vpPassed with amendments
Speeding up criminal proceedings
The handling of criminal cases will be streamlined and expedited across the entire criminal process chain, from pre-trial investigation to court. More criminal cases can be resolved in written proceedings without an oral hearing or in the absence of the defendant.
9 Apr 2026 · passed without a vote - HE 70/2025 vpPassed with amendments
Court approval for device searches
The police will need prior court permission to examine the contents of a seized phone, computer or other device in a criminal investigation. In exceptional cases, such as urgent situations or with the consent of the possessor of the device, a search could still be initiated on the police's own decision.
24 Nov 2025 · passed without a vote - HE 226/2020 vpPassed with amendments
Prosecuting threats against work and office
An illegal threat made because of work duties or a public position of trust will become subject to public prosecution if the perpetrator is outside the work community. Initiating a preliminary investigation and bringing charges will no longer require a demand for punishment from the victim.
18 Jun 2021 · 2 votesClosest vote · Mietintö / Sebastian Tynkkynen , lausumaehdotus
42 jaa11 ei - HE 253/2022 vpPassed
Clarifying data protection in investigation teams
Rules on the processing of personal data obtained in international joint investigation teams will be clarified to align with EU data protection legislation. Data may only be used for purposes other than the team's original investigative purpose in accordance with the requirements of the Act on the Processing of Personal Data in Criminal Matters.
27 Jan 2023 · passed without a vote - HE 42/2022 vpPassed
Securing social security for European prosecutors
The pension and social security of European Public Prosecutor's Office prosecutors working in Finland will be brought to the same level as domestic prosecutors. The salary paid by the office will accrue Finnish social security and pension rights through a calculated insurance salary.
10 Jun 2022 · passed without a vote - HE 227/2021 vpPassed
Appeals against European investigation orders
European investigation orders issued in Finland will be open to appeal before a court. This will improve the legal protection of persons subject to cross-border criminal investigation measures.
15 Dec 2021 · passed without a vote - HE 184/2020 vpPassed with amendments
Launching the EPPO in Finland
Finland will participate in the activities of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) to combat financial crime and fraud affecting EU funds. The necessary legislative amendments will be made to national legislation to organise the powers of European prosecutors and inter-agency cooperation.
21 Dec 2020 · passed without a vote - HE 45/2019 vpPassed
Reforming legislation on Eurojust cooperation
Finnish legislation will be aligned with the European Union's new Eurojust Regulation. The change clarifies cooperation between the EU agency for criminal justice cooperation and Finnish authorities in combating serious crime and terrorism.
22 Nov 2019 · passed without a vote - HE 17/2018 vpPassed with amendments
Creating a single prosecution authority
The Office of the Prosecutor General and 11 local prosecution offices will be merged into a single nationwide agency, the National Prosecution Authority. The reform will streamline prosecution work and harmonise decision-making practice across the country.
10 Dec 2018 · passed without a vote - HE 31/2018 vpPassed with amendments
Reforming criminal and security data protection
New uniform rules will be laid down for the processing of personal data by authorities dealing with criminal matters and national security. The reform will clarify official practices and improve citizens' data protection in criminal matters.
23 Nov 2018 · passed without a vote - HE 29/2017 vpPassed with amendments
Enhancing evidence gathering across EU countries
The gathering of evidence for criminal investigations between EU countries will be streamlined through the introduction of a common European Investigation Order. The new procedure speeds up cross-border legal assistance and makes it more binding on authorities than before.
19 Jun 2017 · passed without a vote - HE 11/2017 vpPassed
Transferring EU extradition requests to prosecutors
Extradition requests made from Finland to another EU member state for the enforcement of a prison sentence will become the responsibility of prosecutors. The Criminal Sanctions Agency will continue to prepare the cases, but the official request will always be made by a prosecutor.
30 Mar 2017 · passed without a vote - HE 115/2016 vpPassed with amendments
Implementing the new fine procedure
The handling of minor criminal cases outside the courts will be reformed as the new fine and petty fine procedure is brought into force. The police, Finnish Customs and the Finnish Border Guard will be able to impose fines directly for certain offences with the suspect's consent.
9 Nov 2016 · passed without a vote