summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
112th Congress
Bill Summary
Sunset Act of 2012 - Revises provisions relating to congressional review of agency rulemaking to require federal agencies to submit to Congress and the Comptroller General (GAO) a report every three months containing a copy of any rule made during that three month period and information relating to such rule. Prohibits the implementation of a proposed rule prior to the submission of such report. Requires Congress to enact a joint resolution of approval of any agency rule and sets forth approval procedures. Revises the definition of "rule" for purposes of this Act to exclude: (1) any rule of particular applicability, including a rule that approves or prescribes for the future rates, wages, prices, services, or allowances therefore, corporate or financial structures, reorganizations, mergers, or acquisitions thereof, or accounting practices or disclosures bearing on any of the foregoing; (2) any rule relating to agency management or personnel; or (3) any rule of agency organization, procedure, or practice that does not substantially affect the rights or obligations of non-agency parties. Permits judicial review of whether an agency has completed the necessary requirements for a rule to take effect. Requires agencies to designate not less than 10% of their eligible rules for review during each of the next ten years. Terminates any such rule for which Congress has not enacted a joint resolution of approval within 10 years after enactment of this Act. Terminates an agency rule for which Congress has enacted a joint resolution of approval 10 years after the enactment of such resolution. Authorizes the President to exempt a rule from termination if such rule is: (1) necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal law, or for national security; or (2 ) issued to implement an international trade agreement.
AI Summary
This bill, the Sunset Act of 2012, would significantly alter how federal agencies create and implement rules by introducing a new congressional oversight process. Under this act, federal agencies would be required to submit quarterly reports to Congress and the Comptroller General (GAO), which is the investigative arm of Congress, detailing all new rules issued during that period. Crucially, no proposed rule could take effect until this report is submitted, and Congress would need to pass a joint resolution of approval for any agency rule to become law. The bill also revises the definition of a "rule" to exclude certain types of regulations, such as those related to internal agency management, personnel, or procedures that don't substantially impact individuals or businesses outside the agency, as well as rules of "particular applicability" which often deal with specific rates, prices, or corporate structures. The act allows for judicial review to ensure agencies have followed the necessary procedural steps for a rule to take effect. Furthermore, agencies would be mandated to select at least 10% of their existing rules for review each year for the next decade, and any rule not approved by Congress within 10 years of the bill's enactment, or 10 years after a joint resolution of approval, would automatically expire unless the President grants an exemption for reasons of health, safety, national security, criminal law enforcement, or international trade agreements.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, Commercial and Administrative Law. (on 09/07/2012)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/6333/all-info |
| Bill | http://gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr6333ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr6333ih.pdf.pdf |
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