One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act
The One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act would require that every bill or joint resolution enacted by Congress address only a single subject, with the subject clearly described in the bill’s title. It tightens rules around how bills, including appropriations bills, are structured and imposes strict enforcement: if a bill’s title covers multiple unrelated subjects or if provisions are not clearly tied to the title, the bill can be declared void. The bill also creates a private right of action allowing individuals (including members of Congress) to sue the United States for noncompliance, with a de novo standard of review in court. In short, the measure aims to curb omnibus legislation and ensure tighter alignment between a bill’s title, its contents, and the subject matter. Implemented as written, the act would affect how legislation is drafted, debated, and litigated. It could reduce the use of broad, multi-topic bills and place new obstacles on combining unrelated policy changes within a single measure. It also opens the door to post-enactment litigation over whether a law complies with the “one subject” rule, potentially increasing judicial involvement in the legislative process.
Key Points
- 1One subject per bill: Every bill or joint resolution must embrace no more than one subject; the subject must be clearly and descriptively expressed in the title.
- 2Limits on appropriations bills: Appropriation measures may not include general legislation or changes to existing law that are not germane to the underlying subject matter, though provisions limiting how funds are spent are allowed.
- 3Strict enforcement and voiding: If a bill’s title addresses multiple unrelated subjects, or if provisions are not clearly expressed in the title, the act or resolution is void. Likewise, appropriations provisions outside subcommittee jurisdiction or not germane to the subject matter are void.
- 4Private right of action: Anyone aggrieved by enforcement threats or actual enforcement can sue the United States under 28 U.S.C. Sections 2201 and 2202 (declaratory and injunctive relief). This remedy applies only to Acts or joint resolutions signed into law after the bill’s enactment.
- 5Review standard and scope: Courts reviewing such challenges must use a de novo standard (no deference to lower court findings) in actions brought under this act.