{
  "id": 19115267,
  "title": "‘Evidence-based’: Legco to require research from lawmakers raising non-binding motions",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/evidence-based-legco-to-require-research-from-lawmakers-raising-non",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T07:47:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post-hong-kong",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3373777/evidence-based-legco-require-research-lawmakers-raising-non-binding-motions"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Legco, Hong Kong's legislature, will now require lawmakers to present research findings and recommendations when raising non-binding motions, according to President Starry Lee Wai-king. This move is intended to improve public understanding of debates and foster evidence-based discussions. Lee believes this will enable the government, the chief executive, and officials to consider more lawmaker perspectives and enhance exchanges. The requirement will commence next year, reflecting lawmakers' commitment to self-improvement. In addition to bills, lawmakers can propose motions to voice opinions on public concerns or request government action, though these motions do not have legislative impact. Previous debates over such motions have been criticized for being unclear and repetitive. Lee also reviewed the legislature's activities over the past year, during which it allocated approximately HK$130 billion in funding, with around HK$37 billion, or nearly 30%, designated for the Northern Metropolis, a planned technology hub. Last month, an independent committee's report on the Tai Po blaze, a deadly fire in November, was released, and the legislature unveiled reforms. Lee assured that Legco would closely examine the administration's proposals and push for prompt implementation, emphasizing that Legco will continue to support, cooperate with, facilitate, and oversee the government, while rigorously scrutinizing bills and offering constructive suggestions to ensure swift implementation of reforms to meet public expectations.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong’s legislature will require lawmakers to submit relevant research findings and recommendations when they raise motions that have no legislative effect, a move its president has said is aimed at helping the public follow debates more easily and fostering “evidence-based” discussion. “This will allow the government and the public to better understand the intent and rationale of the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Legco requires research from lawmakers for non-binding motions.",
    "Move aims to improve public understanding and evidence-based discussions.",
    "Requirement starts next year, reflecting commitment to self-improvement."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Mandating research for non-binding motions transforms legislative debates from repetitive exercises into structured exchanges that force lawmakers to provide substantive justifications for their public policy concerns.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}