Several controversial bills cleared their second reading at the Legislative Yuan on Friday. The bills aim to expand the powers of the legislature and were proposed by the opposition KMT and the TPP. One of the amendments that has drawn heavy criticism from the ruling DPP concerns the investigative powers of the legislature. Under the proposed amendments for investigative interpellations, requests for legal representation would require approval from the chair of the hearing, who would also have the power to reject requests.

One lawyer, Lin Chih-chun, has pointed out that the bills blur the line between legislative investigations and criminal procedures. He says the bills do not clearly define whether the investigations will abide by the relevant rules of criminal procedures. He added that, even if that were the case, lawmakers themselves may not be familiar with legal interrogation procedures to begin with.

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