Hong Kong Government Introduces Legislative Council (Powers & Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025

Strategic Insights -

The Hong Kong Government has published the Legislative Council (Powers & Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025, aiming to improve the performance of duties by Legislative Council members. The bill, which will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading tomorrow, amends the existing ordinance to impose financial penalties on members suspended due to a breach of the Code for Members of the Legislative Council. The proposed changes aim to enhance self-regulation and transparency in the operation of the Legislative Council.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Legislative Council (Powers & Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to improve the system on the performance of duties by Legislative Council members.
  • The bill amends the Legislative Council (Powers & Privileges) Ordinance to provide for imposing financial penalties on members suspended under the Rules of Procedure (RoP) from LegCo service due to a breach of the Code for Members of the Legislative Council.
  • The deprivation of LegCo members' remuneration and allowance in respect of the period of suspension will be applicable to members who have breached the code and are suspended under the RoP.
  • The amendments will also provide flexibility to LegCo to cater for deprivation of remuneration and allowance of members suspended from LegCo service for other reasons under the RoP as approved by LegCo in future.
  • Once the bill is passed, it will take effect starting from the Eighth-Term LegCo in tandem with the code and the amended RoP.
  • The bill is being introduced in accordance with LegCo's proposal, which aims to enhance self-regulation and transparency in the operation of the Legislative Council.
  • The Government emphasized that it fully appreciates the initiatives taken by LegCo to enhance self-regulation and self-improvement.

Statistics:

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Sources:

  • The Hong Kong Government, 'Legislative Council (Powers & Privileges) (Amendment) Bill 2025', press release, no date provided.