Should SB287 be enacted, it would significantly alter the legislative landscape by instituting strict guidelines that could ensure bills are more straightforward and comprehensible. The bill also seeks to close loopholes that currently allow for the inclusion of multiple subjects in a single legislative proposal, which can obscure accountability and transparency. This may lead to a more efficient legislative process but could also result in challenges for lawmakers attempting to navigate the intricacies of their responsibilities.
Summary
SB287, known as the 'One Subject at a Time Act,' proposes to limit the legislative process by mandating that each bill or resolution contains only a single subject. This bill aims to enhance clarity and focus within legislative texts, allowing legislators and the public to better understand and evaluate the implications of each piece of legislation. The introduction of SB287 underscores an ongoing concern regarding the complexity and multifaceted nature of modern legislative bills, which often bundle unrelated subjects together, making comprehensive assessment challenging for both lawmakers and constituents.
Contention
However, the bill does not come without controversy. Critics argue that the requirement for single-subject bills could complicate the legislative process, especially for comprehensive measures that address related issues—such as funding and legislative changes in the same bill. Moreover, the enforcement mechanisms put forth in the bill could lead to increased judicial involvement in legislative matters, raising concerns about the separation of powers and potential overreach by the courts in reviewing legislative decisions.
Related
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.
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.
One Subject at a Time ActThis 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.Further, 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 an entire law or joint resolution that has a title which addresses two or more unrelated subjects. For noncompliant provisions of a law or joint resolution, the bill voids the specific noncompliant provisions. For example, this includes appropriation provisions that are outside of 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.