Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB300

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2023 This bill requires executive agencies to submit information regarding settlement agreements to a public database. Specifically, an agency must submit information regarding any settlement agreement (including a consent decree) entered into by the agency related to an alleged violation of federal law. If an agency determines that information regarding an agreement must remain confidential to protect the public interest, the agency must publish an explanation of why the information is confidential.

Impact

The implementation of this bill would significantly change the landscape of federal transparency laws. Executive agencies will be required to provide details such as the type of settlement, violations involved, costs incurred, and obligations resulting from the agreements. This shift will not only affect the operational procedures within these agencies but also improve public access to information regarding how the government resolves legal disputes, thereby promoting public trust in federal operations.

Summary

House Bill 300, known as the Settlement Agreement Information Database Act of 2023, mandates that federal executive agencies must submit information about any settlement agreements they enter into to a public database. This act aims to enhance transparency in government dealings by making settlement details accessible to the public. Specifically, the bill requires that agencies report the terms and conditions of settlement agreements related to alleged violations of federal law, ensuring a level of accountability for how federal resources are utilized in these settlements.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 300 is notably positive, with support from various stakeholders who advocate for increased transparency in government affairs. The sentiment stems from the recognition that public awareness of federal settlement agreements can help mitigate potential misuse of power and public funds. However, there are concerns related to potential overreach and confidentiality issues, where some parties worry that certain sensitive information could be improperly disclosed, potentially leading to unintended consequences.

Contention

Significant points of contention have been raised regarding the balance between transparency and confidentiality. Opponents of the bill argue that the requirement for agencies to disclose certain settlement information could infringe upon the privacy of parties involved in legal agreements. Additionally, the bill includes provisions that allow for exceptions where confidentiality is deemed necessary to protect public interests, leading to discussions about what constitutes legitimate confidentiality and how to ensure that the public’s right to know is not undermined.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB262

All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act of 2023 or the ALERT Act of 2023 This bill establishes various reporting requirements with respect to federal agency rulemaking. Specifically, each agency must submit a monthly report to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for each rule the agency expects to propose or finalize during the following year, including information about the objectives and legal basis for the rule as well as whether the rule is subject to periodic review based on its significant economic impact. Additionally, each agency must submit a monthly report for any rule expected to be finalized during the following year for which the agency has issued a general notice of proposed rulemaking, including an approximate schedule for completing action on the rule and an estimate of its cost and economic effects. OIRA must publish this information online and, subject to certain exceptions, a rule may not take effect until the information has been published for at least six months. The bill also requires OIRA to annually publish in the Federal Register specified information it receives from agencies under this bill, including a list of each rule an agency has proposed and the total cost of all rules proposed or finalized. OIRA must further publish online (1) any analysis of the costs or benefits of rules that were proposed or finalized during the previous year, and (2) a list of rules that were subjected to various forms of review during the previous year.

US HB259

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act This bill establishes a centralized location to publish information on disaster assistance provided by federal agencies. The Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and any agencies providing disaster assistance must make available to the public on a quarterly basis information regarding (1) the total amount of assistance provided by the agency; (2) the amount provided that was expended or obligated; and (3) all projects or activities for which assistance was expended, obligated, or used.

US HB357

Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act This bill requires, subject to a limited exception, that any agency rule promulgated under notice and comment procedures must be issued and signed by an individual who was appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs must issue guidance for agencies to implement this requirement.

US SB820

Settlement agreements: confidentiality.

US SB1135

Settlement agreements: confidentiality.

US SB00508

An Act Restricting The Use Of Nondisparagement And Settlement Agreements By State Agencies And Quasi-public Agencies.

US HB3446

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023

US HB1304

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

US HB442

Regulatory Accountability Act This bill expands and provides statutory authority for notice-and-comment rulemaking procedures to require federal agencies to consider (1) whether a rulemaking is required by statute or is within the discretion of the agency, (2) whether existing laws or rules could be amended or rescinded to address the problem, and (3) reasonable alternatives to a new rule. For proposed major or high-impact rules that have a specified significant economic impact or adverse effect on the public health or safety, an agency must publish notice of such rulemaking to invite interested parties to propose alternatives and ideas to accomplish the agency's objectives; allow persons interested in high-impact or certain major rules to petition for a public hearing with oral presentation, cross-examination, and the burden of proof on the proponent of the rule; adopt the rule that maximizes net benefits within the scope of the statutory provision authorizing the rule, unless the agency explains the costs and benefits that justify adopting an alternative rule and such rule is approved by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA); and publish a framework and metrics for measuring the ongoing effectiveness of the rule. Agencies must notify OIRA with certain information about a proposed rulemaking, including specified discussion and preliminary explanations concerning a major or high-impact rule. Further, OIRA must establish certain rulemaking guidelines. Additionally, the bill (1) revises the scope of judicial review of agency actions, and (2) establishes requirements for agencies issuing guidance.

US SB2094

MS Public Records Act; prohibit confidentiality of settlement agreement.

Similar Bills

US SB1645

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023

US HB3446

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023

US SB595

Rio San José and Rio Jemez Water Settlements Act of 2023

US HB4748

Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

US HB4802

Accountability for Workplace Misconduct Act

US SB1898

Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2023

US HB3977

Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project Amendments Act of 2023

US SB425

Secure and Protect Act of 2023