Ticino evaluates a Parliamentary Researcher to support the Grand Council (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The Grand Council of Ticino evaluates the introduction of a Parliamentary Researcher
• The figure will support the Commissions in technical analysis and dossier preparation
• Objective: to improve legislative quality and institutional continuity
• The proposal comes from PLR senior advisor Paolo Ortelli

Key facts

• What: Proposal to introduce an Assistant Secretary/Parliamentary Researcher
• Who: Grand Council of the Canton of Ticino, on the motion of the PLR Paolo Ortelli
• Where: Services of the Grand Council, Canton of Ticino
• Why: Increased complexity of the dossiers processed, need for technical support
• Functions: Documentary research, technical analysis, summary for Commissions, institutional continuity

The Grand Council of the Canton of Ticino is considering the introduction of a new professional figure: an Assistant Secretary/Parliamentary Researcher destined to technically support the work of the Standing Committees. The proposal, put forward by PLR senior adviser Paolo Ortelli, stems from the need to address the growing complexity of legislative dossiers, increasingly characterised by specialised and multidisciplinary components.

Diagnosis: increasing complexity

As highlighted by Ortelli, the Ticino deputies are today examining issues that require "considerable study and in-depth study". Ignoring this development would risk, in the long run, "exposing Parliament to the risk of a progressive weakening of the

Operational details

Why is this proposal of interest to border crossers?

While the motion does not explicitly mention frontier workers, a potential strengthening of the analytical capacity of the Ticino Parliament could have indirect but significant implications for this category. Here are the possible scenarios:

1. Stronger laws on taxation and cross-border labour

Qualified technical support could improve the quality of regulations governing crucial aspects for border workers, such as:

• Italy-Switzerland tax agreements : implementation of the new 2020 agreement (in force since 2024)
• Social security schemes: AVS/AI coordination and LPP CONTRIBUTIONS
• Teleworking: post-pandemic regulation for border workers

More accurate laws would reduce interpretative ambiguities to the benefit of both parties.

2. Increased efficiency in decisions impacting crossings

Complex dossiers such as infrastructure investments at the Brogeda, Ponte Tresa or Gaggiolo crossings could be analysed more quickly. This would result in:

• Less delay in approving funds for traffic smoothing projects
• More informed decisions on opening hours and customs controls
• Better coordination with Italian authorities on commuter issues

3. Regulatory stability for companies hiring border workers

Ticino businesses employing cross-border labour (around 65,000 frontier workers in 2024) would benefit from a framework

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Key points

What should frontier workers do now?

While the proposal is being evaluated, cross-border workers can take three concrete actions:

1. Monitor the process of the motion

Follow developments through:

• The official website of the Ticino Grand Council
• Specialised newspapers such as Frontaliere Ticino
• The communiqués of the PLR parliamentary groups and partners

2. Check the impact of current regulations

Make sure your situation complies with the current rules:

• Taxation: Verify the application of the new 2020 agreement (tax at source with Italian tax credit)
• Social security: Check AVS (5.3%) and LPP (7-18%) contributions
• Health insurance: Evaluate the LAMal option with appropriate deductible (CHF 300-2500)

Use our calcolatore stipendio frontalieri to simulate your monthly net.

3. Dialogue with the representatives

Contact the organisations that protect the interests of border workers:

• OCST (Ticino Christian-Social Organization)
• UNIA (trade union)
• Italy-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce

To signal regulatory criticalities that could benefit from more robust technical analysis.

⚠️ Attention: Any changes resulting from the motion would only take effect after final approval and operational implementation, a process that could take 12-24 months. In the meantime, the provisions of the new 2020 border agreement and the conventions in force remain valid.

Source: ticinonews.ch