Icelandic parliament nears session end with key opposition bills debated

Iceland's parliament is poised to conclude its current session today, with a number of legislative proposals from the opposition parties scheduled for debate. A total of 22 items are on the agenda, indicating numerous votes are expected before the session ends.

Among the opposition's proposals is a bill seeking to restrict foreign ownership of land in Iceland. This initiative, previously introduced without success, aims to establish a committee to draft legislation limiting such purchases. Another bill focuses on amending laws related to cemeteries and cremation, specifically to liberalize the scattering of ashes, making it permissible rather than obligatory to place urns in burial sites.

Legislation concerning driving licenses is also on the agenda. One proposal seeks to extend the validity period for driving licenses for individuals over 65. Currently, renewals are required every five years for those aged 65 and older, with shorter intervals for older age groups. The proposed change would allow individuals aged 60 and above to renew their licenses every 10 years, with reduced frequency for those 80 and 90 and older.

Additionally, a bill proposes the complete abolition of stamp duty for individuals purchasing residential property. Currently, a 0.8% stamp duty applies, with a 50% reduction for first-time buyers. If passed, this law would eliminate the duty entirely for all individual home purchases, not just for first-time buyers.