Legislation
298 entities tracked across Lowdown briefings. Page 4 of 5.
LCADE
UK's £3.16m national slice of the LEAP counter-drone framework, split across three SMEs
UK's £3.16m national slice of the LEAP counter-drone framework, split across three SMEs
Lei Organica 1/2026
Portuguese law in force since 19 May 2026 that doubled the residency-to-citizenship horizon.
Portuguese law in force since 19 May 2026 that doubled the residency-to-citizenship horizon.
Ley 12/2023 de 24 de mayo
Spain's 2023 Housing Rights Law (Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda), enacted 24 May 2023, establishing tenant protection, rent-control areas, and the legal basis for subsequent rental decrees.
Spain's 2023 Housing Rights Law (Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda), enacted 24 May 2023, establishing tenant protection, rent-control areas, and the legal basis for subsequent rental decrees.
Ley de Municipios Turísticos de CanariasCanary Islands law creating binding tourist-municipality status triggered automatically by fixed bed-to-resident-population thresholds.
Canary Islands law creating binding tourist-municipality status triggered automatically by fixed bed-to-resident-population thresholds.
LIBERTAD Act
1996 Helms-Burton Act; codifies Cuba embargo and requires congressional vote to lift it.
1996 Helms-Burton Act; codifies Cuba embargo and requires congressional vote to lift it.
Life Sciences Jobs PlanCross-departmental UK plan closing the life-sciences lab-skills gap, published 9 July 2026.
Cross-departmental UK plan closing the life-sciences lab-skills gap, published 9 July 2026.
Local Government Act 1972Foundational statute for modern English and Welsh local government, establishing the two-tier structure.
Foundational statute for modern English and Welsh local government, establishing the two-tier structure.
Local Innovation Partnerships FundUK government £500m fund covering 17 English regions for 2026–31, to be allocated directly by city-region mayors after the 2027 Spending Review.
UK government £500m fund covering 17 English regions for 2026–31, to be allocated directly by city-region mayors after the 2027 Spending Review.
Loudoun County Phase 2 Data Center StandardsLoudoun County planning rules removing by-right zoning for data centres; every new campus now requires board approval.
Loudoun County planning rules removing by-right zoning for data centres; every new campus now requires board approval.
Maine LD 307Maine moratorium bill banning new data centres above 20 MW; vetoed by governor on 24 April 2026.
Maine moratorium bill banning new data centres above 20 MW; vetoed by governor on 24 April 2026.
Malicious Entity List
China's State Council list created by Decree No. 835 on 13 April 2026 to counter US secondary sanctions; not yet activated as of 28 April.
China's State Council list created by Decree No. 835 on 13 April 2026 to counter US secondary sanctions; not yet activated as of 28 April.
MASS CodeFirst global IMO code for autonomous cargo ships; entered force 1 July 2026.
First global IMO code for autonomous cargo ships; entered force 1 July 2026.
MATCH ActBipartisan US bill that would let Washington govern ASML's DUV chip-machine sales to Chinese customers.
Bipartisan US bill that would let Washington govern ASML's DUV chip-machine sales to Chinese customers.
Methane Regulation
EU regulation on methane emissions in the energy sector; entering enforcement phase in 2026.
EU regulation on methane emissions in the energy sector; entering enforcement phase in 2026.
MiFIDMarkets in Financial Instruments Directive: EU framework governing trading in financial instruments, recommended for legislative alignment with REMIT under SWD(2026)147.
Markets in Financial Instruments Directive: EU framework governing trading in financial instruments, recommended for legislative alignment with REMIT under SWD(2026)147.
Mills ReviewFCA's review into the impact of AI on UK retail financial services.
FCA's review into the impact of AI on UK retail financial services.
Mine Hunting CapabilityUK Royal Navy programme replacing crewed minehunters with autonomous systems and motherships.
UK Royal Navy programme replacing crewed minehunters with autonomous systems and motherships.
MM2H
Malaysia My Second Home programme; the high-income second-home tier at 40,000 ringgit/month (~$8,500), separate from the cheaper DE Rantau nomad route.
Malaysia My Second Home programme; the high-income second-home tier at 40,000 ringgit/month (~$8,500), separate from the cheaper DE Rantau nomad route.
MOFCOM Announcement No. 21Chinese Ministry of Commerce order issued 2 May 2026 activating the 2021 Blocking Rules and creating a private right of action in Chinese courts against Western firms complying with US Iran sanctions.
Chinese Ministry of Commerce order issued 2 May 2026 activating the 2021 Blocking Rules and creating a private right of action in Chinese courts against Western firms complying with US Iran sanctions.
NASA Authorisation Act of 2026US legislation passed unanimously by the Senate Commerce Committee on 4 March 2026, mandating NASA evaluate crew rescue capabilities from orbit and the lunar surface.
US legislation passed unanimously by the Senate Commerce Committee on 4 March 2026, mandating NASA evaluate crew rescue capabilities from orbit and the lunar surface.
National Emergencies Act1976 US statute requiring annual presidential renewal of national emergency declarations.
1976 US statute requiring annual presidential renewal of national emergency declarations.
National Materials Innovation ProgrammeInnovate UK programme funding UK materials science feasibility studies; Round 2 up to £2m, May 2026.
Innovate UK programme funding UK materials science feasibility studies; Round 2 up to £2m, May 2026.
National Security and Investment ActUK law requiring mandatory notification and government approval for acquisitions in 17 sensitive sectors on national security grounds.
UK law requiring mandatory notification and government approval for acquisitions in 17 sensitive sectors on national security grounds.
National Voter Registration Act1993 federal Motor Voter law requiring states to offer voter registration at DMVs and other public agencies.
1993 federal Motor Voter law requiring states to offer voter registration at DMVs and other public agencies.
New York A 9581New York State Assembly bill A 9581, passed 3 June 2026, requiring the state Labor Department to publish annual reports on the effect of artificial intelligence on hiring and employment.
New York State Assembly bill A 9581, passed 3 June 2026, requiring the state Labor Department to publish annual reports on the effect of artificial intelligence on hiring and employment.
Ninth Circuit Case 26-1029DJI's Ninth Circuit appeal challenging its FCC Covered List exclusion; seeking to contest $1.56 billion in 2026 losses.
DJI's Ninth Circuit appeal challenging its FCC Covered List exclusion; seeking to contest $1.56 billion in 2026 losses.
NIS2
EU Directive 2022/2555 mandating cybersecurity obligations across essential and important entities in 18 sectors.
EU Directive 2022/2555 mandating cybersecurity obligations across essential and important entities in 18 sectors.
Non-Proliferation Treaty1968 nuclear arms control treaty; Iran's withdrawal bill and IAEA blackout threaten its authority.
NPT Safeguards Agreement
The verification pact under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that requires states to report any transfer of nuclear material to the IAEA.
The verification pact under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that requires states to report any transfer of nuclear material to the IAEA.
NPT withdrawal billIranian bill to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iranian bill to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Oklahoma SB 1488Oklahoma Senate Bill 1488, a 2026 legislative proposal pausing new large data centre approvals in the state through November 2029.
Oklahoma Senate Bill 1488, a 2026 legislative proposal pausing new large data centre approvals in the state through November 2029.
One Big Beautiful Bill ActUS legislation mandating $1.025B/year SLS funding FY2026-FY2029; cited to justify Artemis production acceleration.
US legislation mandating $1.025B/year SLS funding FY2026-FY2029; cited to justify Artemis production acceleration.
Oregon POWER Act2025 Oregon state law requiring utilities to charge large electricity loads (sites drawing 20 MW or more) the full cost of serving them, creating a dedicated rate class that prevents cross-subsidisation by residential customers.
2025 Oregon state law requiring utilities to charge large electricity loads (sites drawing 20 MW or more) the full cost of serving them, creating a dedicated rate class that prevents cross-subsidisation by residential customers.
Orthodox Easter ceasefirePutin's 9 April 2026 decree ordering a 32-hour halt to combat from 16:00 Moscow time 11 April to midnight 12 April.
Other Transaction Authority (OTA)US federal procurement mechanism for prototypes that bypasses standard acquisition rules; used for Golden Dome and LASSO.
US federal procurement mechanism for prototypes that bypasses standard acquisition rules; used for Golden Dome and LASSO.PERTE de la Industrialización de la ViviendaSpain's Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica for housing industrialisation, receiving EUR 1,300m under the Plan Estatal de Vivienda 2026-2030 to fund factory-built residential units.
Spain's Proyecto Estratégico para la Recuperación y Transformación Económica for housing industrialisation, receiving EUR 1,300m under the Plan Estatal de Vivienda 2026-2030 to fund factory-built residential units.
PHARMPharmaceutical Manufacturing in Microgravity: UK Space Agency study programme funding in-orbit regulatory-compliant mission design.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Microgravity: UK Space Agency study programme funding in-orbit regulatory-compliant mission design.
PISCESFCA-regulated sandbox enabling secondary trading of pre-IPO private company shares; first live trades March 2026.
FCA-regulated sandbox enabling secondary trading of pre-IPO private company shares; first live trades March 2026.
PlanC2333Texas Republican-drawn congressional map cleared by SCOTUS 27 April 2026; projects up to +5 GOP seats.
Texas Republican-drawn congressional map cleared by SCOTUS 27 April 2026; projects up to +5 GOP seats.
Plan Estatal de Vivienda 2026-2030Spain's 2026-2030 state housing plan committing EUR 7 billion — EUR 4,200m state and EUR 2,800m from regional governments — to rent subsidies, rehabilitation loans, and industrialised housing construction.
Spain's 2026-2030 state housing plan committing EUR 7 billion — EUR 4,200m state and EUR 2,800m from regional governments — to rent subsidies, rehabilitation loans, and industrialised housing construction.
Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA)UK statute governing political finance, donation permissibility, and campaign regulation.
UK statute governing political finance, donation permissibility, and campaign regulation.
PPA RecommendationEU Commission recommendation published 22 April 2026 to remove barriers to corporate PPAs.
EU Commission recommendation published 22 April 2026 to remove barriers to corporate PPAs.
Premium Residency Programme
Saudi Arabia's long-term residency scheme for wealthy foreign nationals, sold without automatic work rights since Qiwa's June 2026 permit requirement.
Saudi Arabia's long-term residency scheme for wealthy foreign nationals, sold without automatic work rights since Qiwa's June 2026 permit requirement.
Programme of General InterestA Spanish planning mechanism that designates large infrastructure projects as of national interest, streamlining approvals; used to authorise Amazon's Aragón data centre expansion.
A Spanish planning mechanism that designates large infrastructure projects as of national interest, streamlining approvals; used to authorise Amazon's Aragón data centre expansion.
Project CorvusUK GBP 130-156 million tender to replace the Watchkeeper tactical drone from May 2026.
UK GBP 130-156 million tender to replace the Watchkeeper tactical drone from May 2026.
Project NYXUK Ministry of Defence programme to develop autonomous drone loyal wingmen for Apache attack helicopters, with four companies in assessment phase as of May 2026.
UK Ministry of Defence programme to develop autonomous drone loyal wingmen for Apache attack helicopters, with four companies in assessment phase as of May 2026.
Proposition 50California 2025 ballot measure transferring redistricting power from independent commission to legislature.
California 2025 ballot measure transferring redistricting power from independent commission to legislature.
ProQureUK government quantum procurement programme; aggregates public-sector demand to underpin the £2bn quantum strategy.
UK government quantum procurement programme; aggregates public-sector demand to underpin the £2bn quantum strategy.Public Office (Accountability) Bill2026 King's Speech bill creating criminal accountability for senior public officials who mislead the public.
2026 King's Speech bill creating criminal accountability for senior public officials who mislead the public.
PURLPrioritized Ukraine Requirements List: NATO's ally-funded procurement mechanism delivering US weapons to Ukraine via NSATU.
Ralls Corp v CFIUS2014 DC Circuit ruling that targets of CFIUS national-security restrictions hold a Fifth Amendment due-process right to examine the underlying evidence.
2014 DC Circuit ruling that targets of CFIUS national-security restrictions hold a Fifth Amendment due-process right to examine the underlying evidence.
RDL 8/2026Defeated Spanish rent-freeze decree; targeting summer resubmission with Junts landlord-tax condition now on the table.
Defeated Spanish rent-freeze decree; targeting summer resubmission with Junts landlord-tax condition now on the table.
Regulamento da NacionalidadePortugal's implementing regulation for its nationality law.
Portugal's implementing regulation for its nationality law.
Regulation (EU) 2026/261EU regulation banning short-term Russian pipeline gas imports; took legal effect 17 June 2026.
REMITEU wholesale energy market integrity regulation; ACER cross-border enforcement powers activate H2 2026.
EU wholesale energy market integrity regulation; ACER cross-border enforcement powers activate H2 2026.
Remote Work Visa
South Africa's proposed visa category for foreign employees of international companies, named in the April 2026 White Paper but not yet operational pending consultation.
South Africa's proposed visa category for foreign employees of international companies, named in the April 2026 White Paper but not yet operational pending consultation.
Representation of the People Act 1983The primary UK statute governing electoral law, voter registration, and election procedures including nomination rules.
The primary UK statute governing electoral law, voter registration, and election procedures including nomination rules.
Representation of the People BillUK 2026 bill reviving crypto donation ban, overseas cap; passed Report stage 14 July.
UK 2026 bill reviving crypto donation ban, overseas cap; passed Report stage 14 July.
Resolution 155/2026
Cuban decree raising bottled cooking gas prices 64% amid a supply crisis predating US sanctions.
Cuban decree raising bottled cooking gas prices 64% amid a supply crisis predating US sanctions.
Resolution 156/2026A Cuban decree, published alongside Resolution 155/2026 on 16 July 2026, raising piped and manufactured gas tariffs.
A Cuban decree, published alongside Resolution 155/2026 on 16 July 2026, raising piped and manufactured gas tariffs.