Govt outlines 2026 legislative agenda with building safety, transport law changes

The Hong Kong government submitted its legislative agenda for 2026 to the Legislative Council on Wednesday, outlining key bills planned for the year across various policy areas.

The Development Bureau plans to introduce the Buildings (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Northern Metropolis Development Bill in the second half of the year. The Buildings bill aims to strengthen regulations for private buildings and construction works, including raising deterrence against non-compliance with statutory orders, stepping up enforcement against serious unauthorized structures, and enhancing construction safety following a review triggered by a fire at Hung Fuk Court in Tai Po.

The Transport and Logistics Bureau intends to table the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the first half of the year to grant and regulate franchises for new land-based public transport systems. The Education Bureau plans to introduce the Education (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the second half to refine the teacher registration mechanism by making a practicing certificate a mandatory requirement.

The Security Bureau also aims to amend the Crimes Ordinance and other laws in the second half to implement recommendations from the Law Reform Commission's reports on substantive sexual offences and related sentencing.

Director of Administration Millie Ng Kiang Mei-nei said the agenda reflects the government's current plans but may be adjusted during the legislative session.