Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill

What the bill does

A Bill to make provision about the regulation of autonomous surface and submersible maritime vessels; and for connected purposes.

Progress through Parliament

What 2nd reading means, and what happens next

Second reading is the first full debate on the principle of the bill. The House votes on whether it should proceed at all.

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Read the full guide to this stage: What happens at second reading of a bill

Questions about the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill

What stage is the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill at?

The Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill?

If it passes, the bill goes to committee stage, where it is examined line by line and amendments are considered.

Who sponsored the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill?

The Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill was sponsored by Rebecca Smith.

When was the Autonomous Maritime Vessels (Regulation) Bill introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 2 March 2026, at first reading.

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