Legislative Assembly 2014-2018

In one year, a fragmented Legislative Assembly formed by lawmakers from nine parties passed only 47 bills – of which only a few were of substance.

What happens on Labor Day in Costa Rica? A lot more than marches and bbq. Read our primer.

According to OIJ Director Francisco Segura Montero, 45 people have been shot dead by motorcyclists since the beginning of 2014. Honduras, Guatemala and several other Latin American countries prohibit passengers on motorcycles. But it's unclear whether the rule has reduced crime in those countries.

One of the major proposed changes would swap the current sales tax for a value added tax that would encompass services as well as goods. Tourism activities would be exempt for the first year after the law goes into effect, then charged 5 percent in the second year, 10 percent in the third and 15 percent starting the fourth year.

The order restricting access to information was signed by members of the Legislative Assembly's directorate on Dec. 10, 2014. However it wasn't disclosed to Assembly members until an internal memo went out in early February.

If approved by the full Assembly, yearly rent increases would be capped at 10 percent, down from the current 15 percent.

National Liberation Party lawmaker Rolando González Ulloa on Wednesday morning filed an appeal with the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court, or Sala IV, that challenges a directive by the Legislative Assembly's directorate prohibiting officials from providing information or statements to the press without approval by the Assembly’s executive director.

Former Broad Front Party legislator Ronal Vargas Araya on Tuesday evening filed a request before the Supreme Elections Tribunal (TSE) to annul a resignation letter he submitted last Thursday. Vargas stepped down after an office assistant filed a sexual harassment complaint against him with administrative officials at the Legislative Assembly.

Broad Front Party lawmaker Ronal Vargas Araya on Thursday afternoon brought his colleagues in the Legislative Assembly to tears when he announced that he had submitted a letter of resignation to the Supreme Elections Tribunal in order to undergo medical treatment for a severe health problem. Except that doesn't appear to be the truth.

Recent cases of aggression against animals in Costa Rica have prompted animal rights advocates and everyday citizens to pressure lawmakers to pass an Animal Welfare Bill currently awaiting discussion in the Legislative Assembly.