Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill 2024-26
make provision about the regulation of autonomous surface and submersible maritime vessels; and for connected purposes.
Private Members' Bill (Ballot Bill)
The Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill is a Ballot Bill tabled by Rebecca Smith.
Is this Bill currently before Parliament?Yes. This Bill was introduced on 02 March 2026 and is currently before Parliament.
Whose idea is this Bill?As a Private Members' Bill, this Bill represents the individual initiative of an MP (Rebecca Smith), not the Government.
What type of Bill is this?20 Ballot Bills places are awarded by lottery to backbench MP's at the start of each Session. These Bills receive precedence for debate in the Commons and a handful will succeed in becoming enacted into law.
The higher chance of success means MPs who win a ballot slot are frequently lobbied by groups wishing to have legislation tabled on their behalf, but the choice of bill ultimately remains with the MP.
So is this going to become a law?Historically, between 3 and 13 of the 20 Ballot Bills have succeeded in becoming enacted into law. Therefore, provided this bill is sufficiently high in the Ballot and the Government has no means to object to the bill, it has the greatest chance of PMBs to be enacted into law.
Would you like to know more?See these Glossary articles for more information: Ballot Bill, Private Members Bill, Process of a Bill
Next Event: Friday 17th April 2026 - 2nd reading
Last Event: Monday 2nd March 2026 - 1st reading (Commons)
Bill Progession through Parliament