Kazakhstan's Parliament Clarifies Powers of National Security Agencies in States of Emergency—Draft Law

Kazakhstan tightens national security laws with sweeping new amendments

The Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan's Parliament, approved in its first reading amendments concerning the operations of special state agencies and the Code of Administrative Offenses, a correspondent for our website reports.

Deputy Bolat Kerimbek noted that the changes aim to further refine legislation on national security and service in Kazakhstan's special state agencies.

"The documents are designed to enhance the effectiveness of agencies responsible for safeguarding state security and to address legal gaps identified in law enforcement practice," the deputy explained.

Kerimbek emphasized that combating cybercrime to protect citizens' rights and interests has become a top priority.

"Effectively tackling these challenges is impossible without highly skilled professionals equipped with modern digital expertise and analytical skills. Therefore, the draft law introduces mechanisms to attract talented young IT specialists to serve in special state agencies. International experience shows that flexible approaches to recruiting IT professionals enable government institutions to accelerate innovation and improve digital development," he said.

The bill also proposes clarifying the powers of national security agencies in responding to crises, as well as during states of emergency and social emergencies.

It includes measures to strengthen the protection of state secrets within government bodies and organizations. To this end, the law would formally recognize the "downgrading of state secret protection levels" as a threat to national security.

Additionally, beyond the existing ban on importing, publishing, producing, and distributing extremist and terrorist materials, the draft law introduces a prohibition on their possession.

The legislation also outlines procedures for granting admission priority to certain categories of applicants when candidates have equal exam scores for military and specialized educational institutions. This includes orphans, graduates with the Altyn belgi (gold medal) distinction, winners of international Olympiad competitions, and other groups.

A related draft law, On Amendments and Additions to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses Regarding the Activities of Special State Agencies, toughens penalties for repeat violations of state secret protection requirements within a year of an initial administrative penalty.

In addition, to streamline operations, the proposed legislation would grant the State Protection Service the authority to issue administrative offense reports for failure to comply with its directives.

The draft law also includes provisions aimed at saving and efficiently allocating budget funds. Specifically, if both spouses serve in the military or law enforcement, relocation expenses for transporting personal belongings will be reimbursed to only one of them during an official transfer. Furthermore, the bill proposes eliminating travel and moving expense reimbursements for officers pursuing master's or doctoral degrees who are expelled from military or specialized educational institutions due to academic failure, the Mazhilis deputy noted.