H.R. 2409: Guidance Clarity Act

This bill, known as the Guidance Clarity Act, aims to improve transparency regarding agency guidance documents. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:

Requirements for Agencies

The bill mandates that each federal agency, as defined by the relevant section of U.S. law, must include a specific "guidance clarity statement" on any guidance they issue. This applies to guidance that falls under a particular section of the federal law mentioned in the bill.

Content of the Guidance Clarity Statement

The required guidance clarity statement must meet the following criteria:

• It must be prominently displayed on the first page of the guidance document.
• It should clearly state the following message:

  The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and do not, of themselves, bind the public or the agency. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.

Implementation Timeline

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is tasked with issuing guidance to implement this Act within 90 days following its enactment. This means that once the bill is passed, agencies will have a specific timeline to start adhering to these new requirements.

Purpose of the Bill

The primary goal of this legislation is to enhance understanding and reduce confusion about the nature of agency guidance documents. By clearly stating that these documents do not possess the authority of law, the bill aims to inform the public better regarding their rights and obligations related to agency policies.

Relevant Companies

None found