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LISTED: Six new laws that need to be passed in Norway before summer

Close to 200 matters are scheduled for debate and decision up to the parliament's summer break, making this one of the most demanding legislative periods of the term. Several of these proposals and amendments, which are expected to be finalised and voted on in the coming weeks, will have a notable impact on life in Norway. READ MORE: Nine unmissable events in June 2025 New Kindergarten Act (June 3rd) A majority in parliament has reached an agreement on a new Kindergarten Act. The reform aims to change governance and financing rules, with the goal of ensuring greater transparency, higher quality standards, and improved financial oversight in both public and private kindergartens. Interested in finding out more about what makes kindergarten in Norway different? These are some of the biggest surprise s reported by foreigners bringing up children in this Scandinavian country. Motorhome driving license reform (June 3rd) New driving rules would allow holders of a standard Class B license to drive motorhomes weighing up to 4.25 tons, up from the current 3.5-ton limit. This change is backed by a parliamentary majority and is expected to benefit tourism and domestic travel. EXPLAINED: The ways you can lose your driving licence in Norway Advertisement Expanded dental care access (June 4th) A proposal supported by the Labour Party, the Centre Party, the Socialist Left Party, and the Red Party aims to extend free dental care from age 25 to 28. The plan also calls for a gradual expansion of public dental services, marking a step toward more comprehensive healthcare coverage in Norway. If you're wondering how dental care in Norway is structured at the moment, how much it costs, and what you should expect, check out this explainer . Tobacco regulations (June 4th) The Storting is expected to adopt stricter tobacco control measures, including a ban on smoking at playgrounds, sports facilities, and inside vehicles with children. The changes aim to strengthen protections against second-hand smoke exposure for minors. Advertisement Tourist tax (June 4th) A proposal to introduce a municipal tourist tax will be under review. Although a final agreement on the model has not been reached, there is growing parliamentary support for allowing municipalities to impose local fees to offset the environmental and infrastructural costs associated with tourism. Still, there isn't a clear majority in favour at the moment. The Local has a deep dive into the latest tourist tax developments in Norway, which you can find here . READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Norway's planned tourist tax Consent Act (June 5th) A new law defining rape based on lack of consent rather than use of force is set to pass with broad cross-party support. This represents a landmark shift in Norwegian criminal law, aligning with international human rights recommendations. Advertisement Revised national budget (June 20th) Finally, the 2025 revised national budget will be finalised by June 20th. Key sticking points include the Centre Party's demand for reduced food VAT and the Socialist Left Party's call for universal free kindergarten. These negotiations will likely influence fiscal policy well into the next term. You can find all the proposals that will be up for consideration in June on the parliament's website, here .