RIGA, Feb 19 (LETA) - Upon reviewing draft amendments to the Education Law restricting access to distance learning, the Saeima on Thursday adopted the bill, which provides for phasing in the restrictions from the 2027/2028 school year.

From September 1, 2027, distance learning will no longer be available to students in Years 1 to 4. In the following school year, the regulation will be applied to students in Years 2 to 5, and from September 1, 2029, to students in Years 3 to 6.

Also, from September 1, 2027, basic education in family will not be available to students in Years 1 to 6.

As reported, under the Saeima-approved amendments, which President Edgars Rinkevics returned to parliament for review, the new rules for Year 1 students would apply from the next school year. From September 1, 2027, the new distance learning framework would also apply to Years 2 and 4; from September 1, 2028, to Years 3 and 5; and from September 1, 2029, to Year 6.

It was also reported that on January 22, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Education Law that would significantly limit the availability of distance learning for pupils in the first stage of primary education - Years 1 to 6. The amendments provide for stricter and clearer regulation of distance learning. Distance or family learning in Years 1 to 6 will be allowed for one year only for students who have received a local authority assessment. This will need to identify special circumstances why this form of education is in the best interests of the child. These may be social, health, access to education or other relevant circumstances, which the local authority will have to assess.

However, President Rinkevics returned the bill to the Saeima for a repeat review, arguing that such significant changes in regulations on education, which directly affect both children and their parents, as well as local governments and educational institutions, should be introduced with particular care, ensuring sufficient legal clarity, predictability, and reasonable timeframes for implementation.

At the same time, the president indicated that the May 15, 2026, deadline for drafting government regulations should be maintained in order to ensure timely clarity on the application of the amended law.