Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB328

Introduced
2/9/23  

Caption

Read the Bills Act

Impact

This bill seeks to reform congressional practices fundamentally by requiring that the full text of any legislation be made available to the public at least seven days prior to a vote. This aligns with the intent to prevent legislation from being passed without adequate public scrutiny. Moreover, legislators will be required to attest, under penalty of perjury, either that they have read the bill in its entirety or have witnessed a full reading before voting. Such provisions aim to decrease the occurrence of complex and lengthy bills being voted on without proper understanding among lawmakers and the public, an issue that has been a significant concern in recent congressional sessions.

Summary

SB328, titled the 'Read the Bills Act', aims to enhance the legislative process by preserving the constitutional authority of Congress and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the passage of bills. It establishes specific requirements for bills introduced in either the House or the Senate, mandating that any legislation intended to amend or modify existing laws must include the current version of the law proposed for change, the amendments being made, and the resultant language of the law post-amendment. Furthermore, the bill provisions that any bill not meeting these requirements shall be rejected by the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, reinforcing the importance of clarity and precision in legislative documentation.

Contention

While the intent of SB328 is to streamline legislative procedures and improve transparency, potential contention arises regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that enforcing these reading requirements could lead to delays in legislative processes, particularly for urgent matters. Additionally, there may be resistance from some members of Congress who are reluctant to change established practices or who view the additional requirements as excessive bureaucracy that could hinder their efficiency in governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB329

Write the Laws Act

US SB1049

REAADI for Disasters Act Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act

US SB184

Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2023

US HB2371

REAADI for Disasters Act Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act

US HB622

REAL House Act Restoring Equal and Accountable Legislators in the House Act

US SB1939

FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 Access and Dignity for All People Who Travel Act of 2023

US SB212

Protect Our CREDIT Act of 2023 Protect Our Citizens from Reckless Extortion of our Debt and Irresponsible Tactics Act of 2023

US SR46

A resolution providing for sufficient time for legislation to be read.

US HB4563

ACE Act End Zuckerbucks Act of 2023 Solving an Overlooked Loophole in Votes for Executives (SOLVE) Act Promoting Free and Fair Elections Act Don't Weaponize the IRS Act American Confidence in Elections Act

Similar Bills

US SB329

Write the Laws Act

US HB277

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US SB184

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US SJR39

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US HB4474

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