The seven-day session in Beijing of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress is focusing on legal issues that include draft amendments to a number of laws and regulations.

On Friday, lawmakers deliberated a draft amendment to the Legislation Law, the first revision to the law in 14 years. CCTV America’s Hou Na reports.

According to the draft, all cities with subordinate districts will be allowed to make laws in accordance with their local conditions. A subordinate district is a division under the city’s jurisdiction.

This is the first draft amendment to the Legislation Law since the law was first implemented in 2000. The draft makes improving legislative quality a basic requirement of the work, saying that rules should be clear, concrete and operable.

“The bill expands the number of cities having their own legislative power from 49 to 282,” said Yin Zhongqing, NPC Standing Committee member. “It’s big progress.”

At present, of 282 cities with subordinate districts, only 49 have legislative powers:

• 27 capitals of provincial regions
• 4 special economic zones
• 18 big cities approved by the State Council

However, some lawmakers worry that too much power would be given to local authorities.

“I suggest that the draft amendment lay out more specific items when it comes to responsibilities and enforcement power of the local government,” said NPC Deputy Gan Daoming.

The draft also strengthens the leading role of people’s congresses in legislation.

It stipulates that all other cities with subordinate districts would be allowed to make regulations on construction, sanitation, and the environment in a positive and steady manner and in accordance with local conditions.

The bill will be put to vote at the end of the session on Sunday.