Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL]

What the bill does

A Bill to establish a close season, from the start of February to the end of September, during which the killing or taking of brown hares is prohibited; protect mountain hares; repeal the seasonal prohibition of the sale of hares in the Hares Preservation Act 1892; 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 Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL]

What stage is the Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] at?

The Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] is currently at 2nd reading in the UK Parliament.

Has the Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] become law?

Not yet. A bill becomes law only when it has passed both Houses and received Royal Assent. The Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] is currently at 2nd reading.

What happens next to the Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL]?

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

Who sponsored the Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL]?

The Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] was sponsored by Baroness Helic.

When was the Hares (Close Season) Bill [HL] introduced?

It was introduced to Parliament on 21 July 2026, at first reading.

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