US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB91

Introduced
1/9/23  

Caption

One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act This bill requires each bill or joint resolution to include no more than one subject and the subject to be clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title. An appropriations bill may not contain any general legislation or change to existing law that is not germane to the subject of such bill. The bill voids measures or provisions noncompliant with these requirements, including appropriation provisions outside the relevant subcommittee's jurisdiction. Additionally, a person (individual or entity) who is aggrieved by the enforcement, or the attempted enforcement, of a law that passed without complying with this bill's requirements may sue the United States for appropriate relief.

Impact

The implementation of HB 91 would likely lead to significant changes in how bills are drafted and presented in Congress. Currently, it is not uncommon for appropriations bills to include a variety of unrelated provisions, which can obfuscate the intent and accountability of lawmakers. By establishing a clear demarcation of subjects, HB 91 could improve the relevance and focus of legislation, thus potentially increasing public trust in governmental operations. Furthermore, it would compel lawmakers to be more deliberate and precise in their legislative initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 91, known as the 'One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act', seeks to ensure that each legislative measure introduced in the Congress embraces no more than one subject. The essence of this bill is to promote transparency in the legislative process by requiring that the subject of any bill or joint resolution is clearly articulated in its title. This requirement would mitigate the practice of bundling unrelated issues into a single bill, a process colloquially known as 'pork-barrel politics'. By enforcing these regulations, the bill aims to foster a more straightforward law-making process.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding HB 91, particularly regarding the enforcement mechanisms included in the bill. Should any legislation violate the one-subject rule, the entire measure would be deemed void. This opens the door for lawsuits by individuals or entities claiming to be aggrieved by any such enforcement, raising questions about the abandonment of certain legislations and the broader implications for legislative strategy. Critics of the bill may argue that this could complicate and obstruct the legislative process further, while supporters may contend that it is a necessary step towards clearer governance.

Companion Bills

US SB287

Related bill One Subject at a Time Act

Previously Filed As

US HB95

One Bill, One Subject Transparency ActThis bill prohibits any bill or joint resolution from addressing more than one subject and establishes related enforcement mechanisms.The bill requires bills and joint resolutions to address only one subject, which must be clearly and descriptively expressed in the bill or joint resolution's title. Appropriations bills may only contain provisions that are germane to the subject matter of the underlying bill. However, appropriations bills may limit the expenditure of appropriated funds.The bill voids any act (i.e., law) or joint resolution with a title that addresses two or more unrelated subjects;any provision of an act or joint resolution concerning a subject that is not clearly and descriptively expressed in the title;any provision of an appropriations act that contains general legislation or change of existing law provision not germane to the subject matter of the underlying bill;any provision of an appropriations act that addresses a subject outside of the jurisdiction of the relevant subcommittee of the Committees on Appropriations of the House and of the Senate.The bill also authorizes any person aggrieved by the enforcement or threat of enforcement of an act enacted after this bill that does not comply with the requirements of this bill to sue the United States.

US HB155

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US HB157

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US S01435

Prohibits legislative bills from embracing more than 1 subject, with the exception of budget bills.

US S03373

Prohibits legislative bills from embracing more than 1 subject, with the exception of budget bills.

US SB55

Read the Bills ActThis bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).

US HJR200

Modifies the definition of "one subject" for purposes of the bills filed by the general assembly

US HB456

Protecting Dogs Subjected to Experiments Act This bill prohibits the National Institutes of Health from funding biological, medical, or behavioral research that involves testing dogs.

US HB224

Inaction Has Consequences Act This bill withholds the salaries of Members of a chamber of Congress that has not passed each of the annual appropriations bills before the beginning of the fiscal year, beginning with FY2024. Salaries are released on the earlier of (1) the date on which the chamber of Congress passes the bills, or (2) the last day of the Congress.

US H1006

Const. Amend. Single Subject Bills

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.