China's top legislature started its bimonthly session Monday to discuss draft laws and amendments concerning civil procedure, mental health, the safety of special equipment, tourism and environmental protection.

Draft laws regarding the safety of special equipment and tourism, as well as a draft revision to the environmental protection law, were tabled for the first reading at the session, which will run from Monday to Friday.

The draft amendment to the civil procedure law was submitted for its third reading, while laws on the popularization of agricultural technology and on mental health were submitted for their second reading.

Lawmakers will also review the State Council's reports on the implementation of the country's national economic and social development plan and the use of the central budget, as well as ensuring essential financial support for county-level governments.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2012)