Guidance Clarity Act of 2023

The Frame

What this does

This legislation changes how federal agencies communicate their policies to the public by mandating a standardized disclaimer, which aims to clarify the legal status of documents for citizens and businesses.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Federal agencies

Agencies must update their guidance document templates to include the mandatory clarity statement.

Office of Management and Budget

The OMB is required to issue implementation guidance to all federal agencies within 90 days of the Act's enactment.

What changed

Last recorded activity December 18, 2024.

What's next

Introduced.

Summary

This bill requires federal agencies to include a specific disclaimer on all new guidance documents stating that the guidance does not have the force of law and is not legally binding. Agencies must display this statement prominently on the first page of any such document starting 30 days after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues implementation instructions.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 'guidance clarity statement'?

It is a mandatory disclaimer stating that the document does not have the force of law and is not legally binding on the public or the agency.

When will this requirement start?

The requirement begins 30 days after the Director of the Office of Management and Budget issues the necessary implementation guidance, which must be released within 90 days of the bill becoming law.

Why It Matters

This legislation changes how federal agencies communicate their policies to the public by mandating a standardized disclaimer, which aims to clarify the legal status of documents for citizens and businesses.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

organizationCommittee on Oversight and Accountability“The committee to which the bill was referred.”Map →

organizationHouse of Representatives“The legislative body that introduced the bill.”Map →

organizationOffice of Management and Budget“Issues guidance to agencies regarding the Clarity Act.”Map →

organizationU.S. Government Publishing Office“Published the bill.”Map →

bill_numberH.R. 4428“The bill itself.”Map →

organizationSenate“The legislative body that must enact the bill.”Map →

bill_number551 of title 5, United States Code“Section of the U.S. Code related to agency definitions.”Map →

personDirector of the Office of Management and Budget“Responsible for issuing guidance to implement the Act.”Map →

bill_number553(b)(3)(A) of title 5, United States Code“Section of the U.S. Code related to agency guidance issuance.”Map →

Analysis Score

0–100

Significance45
How much this matters to a regular citizen
Controversy15
Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
Entertainment5
Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
Buzz20
Current news / social attention level