Commercial Organisations and Public Authorities Duty (Human Rights and Environment) Bill [HL]

Key Points

• Imposes a duty on commercial organisations and public authorities to prevent harm to human rights and the environment.
• Requires conducting and publishing human rights and environmental due diligence across operations, subsidiaries and value chains.
• Creates civil liability, penalties and a criminal offence for breaches of the duty.
• Applies to both private sector organisations and public authorities, covering subsidiaries and suppliers in value chains.
• Includes provisions for connected purposes and enforcement mechanisms.

Progress

The bill is currently at the Lords’ second reading (May 10, 2024). It originated in the Lords and will need further readings and committee stages in both Houses before becoming law.