Port Reform Bill to Begin Congressional Review: Key Points

A special committee in Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies is set to begin reviewing Bill 733/2025, which proposes a major overhaul of the country’s port legislation. The bill, if passed and signed into law, would replace Law 12.815/2013, which has been in force since 2013.

How the Process Will Work

The committee will be formally installed this month, following a directive from Chamber President Deputy Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB). It will be chaired by Deputy Murilo Galdino (Republicanos-PB), with Deputy Arthur Maia (União-BA) as the rapporteur.

Once all 38 members (19 full, 19 alternate) are appointed by party leaders and the committee is officially launched, it will elect its chair and define its schedule, including public hearings if requested. The committee has a 40-session window, consisting of 20 sessions for presenting amendments and drafting the report, and 20 sessions for discussions and voting.

Importantly, the bill may be approved conclusively by the committee — meaning it could go directly to the Senate without a floor vote in the Chamber unless 51 deputies (10% of the House) file a request for a broader debate.

If the Senate makes changes, the bill returns to the Chamber. If not, it goes to presidential sanction.

What the Bill Proposes

Bill 733/2025 is based on a draft prepared by the Legal Review Commission on Port Operations (Ceportos), a panel of legal experts appointed by the Chamber.

The bill aims to:

• Modernize port regulations
• Extend contract terms for concessions to offer predictability for investors
• Streamline environmental licensing
• Decentralize port management, with a stronger role for Port Authority Councils (CAPs)

According to Deputy Leur Lomanto Jr. (União-BA), who submitted the proposal, one of its main goals is to reduce bureaucracy and enhance legal certainty for investors.

Controversy: Labor Relations at the Center

One of the bill’s most contentious points is its impact on port workers and their unions. While Ceportos claims the proposal does not harm labor rights, unions argue that the changes would weaken worker representation and shift power toward employers.

Deputy Paulo Alexandre Barbosa (PSDB-SP), who heads the Congressional Port and Airport Caucus and will sit on the special committee, emphasized that the final version must strike a balance between the interests of workers, investors, and municipalities.

“We must ensure economic development with social justice. That means guaranteeing a voice for port workers while also giving legal certainty to businesses,” said Barbosa.

A former mayor of Santos (2013–2020), Brazil’s largest port city, Barbosa said he understands the local perspective and emphasized transparency and broad dialogue throughout the committee’s work.

Next Steps

If installed as planned in early June, the special committee will begin deliberations on the bill. Public hearings and stakeholder meetings are anticipated to take place, particularly regarding labor-related provisions and contractual changes.

If approved and enacted, Bill 733/2025 will become the new legal framework for Brazil’s port sector, shaping future investments, labor relations, and infrastructure governance for years to come.

Source: A Tribuna

Sharing is caring!