Hong Kong Bar Association proposes 50 legal reforms

The Hong Kong Bar Association has released a research report proposing approximately 50 amendments to at least six existing laws. The recommendations follow a study conducted by a special task force established after the Tai Po Hung Fook Estate fire.

A primary focus of the proposal is the criminalization of bid-rigging under the Competition Ordinance, suggesting a dual-track system alongside existing civil enforcement. To increase transparency in building management, the Association recommends a “double envelope” tender system for large-scale projects, where technical proposals must be evaluated before price bids are opened.

Other key proposals include:

• Implementing a “safety penalty system” for contractors to prevent those with poor safety records from undertaking estate projects. • Requiring professionals, such as structural engineers, to declare actual and potential conflicts of interest. • Mandating that property management companies share responsibility with owners for maintaining fire safety equipment. • Introducing a five-year renewal system for registered fire service installation contractors and a new registration system for technicians.

The Association noted that legal reforms must balance practical, administrative, and resource considerations, leaving the final implementation and prioritization to the government.