US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB264

Introduced
1/10/23  

Caption

Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2023 This bill expands the circumstances under which the Department of Justice (DOJ) is required to report to Congress on a policy to refrain from enforcing federal law. Currently, DOJ is required to report to Congress when the Attorney General or other DOJ officer establishes or implements a non-enforcement policy on the grounds that the relevant provision of law is unconstitutional. This bill requires DOJ to report to Congress when any federal officer establishes or implements a non-enforcement policy on any grounds. Further, the bill requires the report to state the grounds for the non-enforcement policy.

Impact

The implications of HB264 are significant as it could increase transparency and ensure that Congress is informed about the reasons behind any federal law not being enforced. By broadening the criteria for reporting, the bill aims to foster greater oversight of federal enforcement actions, which could enhance accountability in federal law enforcement processes. This change reflects a broader push for accountability and faithful execution of laws as interpreted by elected officials.

Summary

House Bill 264, known as the 'Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2023', seeks to enhance accountability within the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding its enforcement of federal laws. The bill modifies the current requirements for DOJ to report to Congress concerning non-enforcement policies. Originally, the DOJ was only required to report when the Attorney General or another DOJ officer chose not to enforce a law on the grounds of its unconstitutionality. This bill expands that requirement to include any circumstances under which a federal officer decides to establish or implement a non-enforcement policy.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the bill related to federal authority versus state authority. While proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure accountability, critics may voice concerns about the potential bureaucratic overload this could impose on the DOJ and the risks of politicizing law enforcement decisions. Additionally, the expanded reporting requirements could be seen as limiting the discretion of federal officers, which might affect their ability to respond flexibly to different circumstances.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB155

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Congress Act or the CLEAN Congress Act This bill (1) requires bills, orders, resolutions, or votes submitted by Congress to the President to include only one subject that is clearly and descriptively expressed in the measure's title; and (2) makes ineffective any provision of law that excludes its application to a Member of Congress or to an employee in a Member's office.

US HB135

No Pay Raise for Congress Act This bill cancels the automatic adjustment to the pay of Members of Congress that is based on the employment cost index if the Congressional Budget Office determines that there was a federal budget deficit in the last fiscal year.

US HB180

This bill requires the President to notify Congress and the public before issuing executive orders relating to energy policy.

US HB44

Effective and Humane Treatment of Youth Act of 2023 or Kalief's Law This bill establishes requirements for the treatment of youth in the criminal justice system at the federal, state, and local levels. A youth is an individual who is 21 years of age or younger. At the federal level, the bill requires federal law enforcement officers to record youth custodial interrogations, limits the use of solitary confinement for youth at federal facilities, and limits the use of restraints on youth during federal court proceedings. At the state and local levels, the bill places conditions on existing grants and establishes a new grant to incentivize the implementation of similar policies with respect to youth. First, the bill reauthorizes the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant program for FY2023-FY2027. To be eligible for grant funds, state and local governments must implement policies that, with respect to youth, provide a right to speedy trial, provide a right to timely bail consideration, and restrict the use of solitary confinement. Second, a state or local government that receives funding under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program or the Community Oriented Policing Services program must implement policies and training on police-youth interaction. Third, the bill directs the Department of Justice to award grants to help state and local governments record youth custodial interrogations.

US HB58

Federal Information Resource to Strengthen Ties with State and Local Law Enforcement Act of 2023 or the FIRST State and Local Law Enforcement Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security's Office for State and Local Law Enforcement to report annually on its activities.

US HB89

Injunctive Authority Clarification Act of 2023 This bill prohibits federal courts from issuing injunctive orders that bar enforcement of a federal law or policy against a nonparty, unless the nonparty is represented by a party in a class action lawsuit.

US HB127

Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.

US HB36

Patrick Underwood Federal Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises the federal criminal statute that prohibits assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain federal officers or employees. Among other changes, the bill increases the applicable penalties for such offenses.

US A3712

Requires Attorney General to establish model duty-to-intervene policy for law enforcement officers; requires entities that employ law enforcement officers to adopt duty-to-intervene policy.

US HB139

Stopping Home Office Work's Unproductive Problems Act of 2023 or the SHOW UP Act of 2023 This bill requires each executive agency to reinstate the telework policies that were in place on December 31, 2019. Agencies may not implement expanded telework policies unless the Office of Personnel Management certifies that such policies, among other requirements, will have a positive effect on the agency's mission and operational costs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.