Bulgarian Parliament approves police defibrillators and short-term insurance laws

The Bulgarian Parliament has passed several legislative amendments affecting public safety and the insurance sector.

In a first reading, deputies approved changes to the Health Act that will allow Ministry of Interior patrol cars to be equipped with automated external defibrillators. The measure aims to enable police officers to provide immediate life-saving assistance during cardiac emergencies before medical teams arrive. While supported by multiple parties, some opposition members raised concerns regarding the practical maintenance and effective use of the devices by officers.

In a second reading, the Parliament approved amendments to the Insurance Code. These changes prohibit insurers from refusing short-term civil liability insurance for specific vehicle categories, including motorcycles, mopeds, campers, caravans, and slow-moving vehicles. The law now explicitly allows for policies covering 30 days, three months, or six months, ensuring seasonal users only pay for the period they actually use their vehicles.

Additionally, the amendments grant the Financial Supervision Commission the authority to proactively address funding shortages in funds managed by the Guarantee Fund. The changes also establish new rules for handling compensation payments in cases where an insurance company has had its license revoked.