Argentine deputies propose penal code reforms and parliamentary sanctions

Argentine legislators have introduced two distinct sets of proposals in the Chamber of Deputies aimed at reforming parliamentary conduct and the national Penal Code.

Mercedes Llano of La Libertad Avanza has proposed a resolution to impose economic sanctions on lawmakers who use insults, vulgarities, or aggressive language during sessions. The plan suggests a one-month suspension of salary for verbal offenses, which could increase to two months in cases of recidivism, threats, or physical aggression. The proposal emphasizes that political criticism and ideological debate remain protected under parliamentary immunity.

Separately, Virginia Gallardo, also from La Libertad Avanza, has presented a bill to reform the Penal Code. A central pillar of this initiative is to make crimes punishable by life imprisonment imprescriptible, ensuring that the passage of time does not prevent the state from prosecuting or executing sentences. The project also seeks to increase the statute of limitations for other crimes and toughen penalties for sexual abuse offenses. This reform has received support from various legislators across different political blocs.