Legislative Council to resume debates on key fire safety bills in Hong Kong

Legislative Council to discuss fire safety and other critical bills in upcoming session

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, at 11 am in the LegCo Complex Chamber.

According to the Legislative Council Secretariat, the session will resume the Second Reading debate on the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024.

If the bill receives approval, it will proceed to the committee stage for further scrutiny.

Following the committee’s considerations and the adoption of its report, the bill will move to its Third Reading.

The agenda also includes the Second Reading debate on the Stamp Duty Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024, which will follow the same legislative process.

First readings of multiple bills on infrastructure, taxation, and harbour protection

The meeting will introduce several bills for their First and Second Readings.

These include the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Bill, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Deductions for Assisted Reproductive Service Expenses) Bill 2024, the Protection of the Harbour (Amendment) Bill 2024, and the Road Tunnels (Government) (Amendment) Bill 2024.

The Second Reading debates on these bills will be adjourned to allow time for further review and consultation.

Government motions on legal aid, criminal procedure, and dutiable commodities

The Chief Secretary for Administration will present three proposed resolutions concerning the Legal Aid Ordinance and the Criminal Procedure Ordinance.

These motions are detailed in official appendices provided for the meeting.

Additionally, the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development will move a resolution to amend the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance.

Members’ motions and presentations on various policy issues

Several Members will present motions and amendments on topics ranging from Hong Kong’s role in the 14th Five-Year Plan to promoting red tourism and the panda economy.

Panel chairs will also address the Council on their respective progress reports, covering areas such as environmental affairs, welfare services, food safety, home affairs, financial matters, security, health services, commerce, and education.

Additionally, the Council will consider a report on subsidiary legislation and respond to 22 policy questions, six of which will require oral replies.

Legislative Council to discuss fire safety and other critical bills in upcoming session: Summary

The Legislative Council of Hong Kong will meet on December 11 to deliberate several bills, including the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024 and the Stamp Duty Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024.

Newly introduced bills will cover critical infrastructure protection, taxation, harbour amendments, and government road tunnels.

Key government motions related to legal aid, criminal procedures, and dutiable commodities are also on the agenda.

Members will discuss various motions and present updates on policy areas ranging from environmental matters to commerce and education.

The meeting will also address 22 policy questions, focusing on legislative and policy developments in Hong Kong.