H.R. 95: One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act

This bill, titled the One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act, proposes to establish specific rules regarding the content and presentation of bills introduced in Congress.

Single Subject Requirement

The main point of the bill is that each bill or joint resolution submitted to Congress must focus on only one subject. This means:

• One Subject: Each bill can contain only one main topic.
• Title Clarity: The title of the bill must clearly and descriptively convey what that single subject is.
• Appropriation Bills: Bills that involve spending must not include general legislation or changes to existing laws that are not directly related to the subject of the bill.

Enforcement Measures

The bill also includes measures to enforce this single subject rule:

• Multiple Subjects: If a bill's title includes more than one unrelated subject, the entire bill would be considered void.
• Provisions Not in Title: Any subject matter in the bill that is not clearly stated in the title would be invalidated.
• Jurisdiction Over Appropriations: Any provisions within an appropriations bill that fall outside the jurisdiction of the relevant subcommittee would be void.
• Non-Germane Provisions: In an appropriations bill, if there are provisions that do not relate to the subject matter, those provisions would also be void.

Legal Action and Judicial Review

The bill permits aggrieved parties, which could include any member of Congress, to take legal action against the United States for violations of these rules. This includes:

• Cause of Action: Individuals can seek an injunction to prevent enforcement of a law they believe violates the single subject rule.
• Judicial Review Standard: Any court reviewing these actions would do so de novo, meaning they would look at the case fresh without relying on previous decisions.

Effective Date

This bill would only apply to laws enacted after the date it is signed into law.

Relevant Companies

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