US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB328

Introduced

2/9/23

Refer

2/9/23

Caption

Read the Bills Act

Impact

This bill seeks to reform congressional practices fundamentally by requiring that the full text of any legislation be made available to the public at least seven days prior to a vote. This aligns with the intent to prevent legislation from being passed without adequate public scrutiny. Moreover, legislators will be required to attest, under penalty of perjury, either that they have read the bill in its entirety or have witnessed a full reading before voting. Such provisions aim to decrease the occurrence of complex and lengthy bills being voted on without proper understanding among lawmakers and the public, an issue that has been a significant concern in recent congressional sessions.

Summary

SB328, titled the 'Read the Bills Act', aims to enhance the legislative process by preserving the constitutional authority of Congress and ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the passage of bills. It establishes specific requirements for bills introduced in either the House or the Senate, mandating that any legislation intended to amend or modify existing laws must include the current version of the law proposed for change, the amendments being made, and the resultant language of the law post-amendment. Furthermore, the bill provisions that any bill not meeting these requirements shall be rejected by the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate, reinforcing the importance of clarity and precision in legislative documentation.

Contention

While the intent of SB328 is to streamline legislative procedures and improve transparency, potential contention arises regarding its implementation. Critics may argue that enforcing these reading requirements could lead to delays in legislative processes, particularly for urgent matters. Additionally, there may be resistance from some members of Congress who are reluctant to change established practices or who view the additional requirements as excessive bureaucracy that could hinder their efficiency in governance.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB55

Read the Bills ActThis bill establishes requirements for bills and resolutions to be introduced or considered by the Senate or the House of Representatives.First, the bill requires any bill or resolution to cite the specific powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact all provisions in the proposed measure. Without this information, the measure may not be accepted by the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate or submitted for a final vote. Each measure must also set forth the current law such measure is amending and show the proposed modifications to the law (except where a complete section of law is stricken). Further, a vote on final passage of such measure may not occur unless (1) the full text of the measure is published at least seven days before the vote, (2) public notice of the calendar week during which the vote is scheduled to take place is posted at least six days before the Monday of such week, and (3) the full text of the measure is read verbatim to the assembled body in each chamber. Members must affirm in writing that they read the measure in full or were present throughout the reading before voting in favor of passing the measure (i.e., such requirements do not apply for a member who votes against passage).The bill also authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of the bill's provisions to sue for appropriate relief (such as an injunction against enacting the measure).

US HB1368

Public utilities; require at least 45 days between reading of meter and bills rendered for any utility service.

US HB440

READY Accounts Act

US SB306

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025

US SB1940

READY Accounts Act

US SB2622

Space Ready Act

US SB2652

Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act

US SB915

TLDR Act Terms-of-service Labeling, Design, and Readability Act

US SB328

Stop Sports Blackouts ActThis bill requires cable and satellite broadcast providers to issue rebates to customers who are denied access to video programming included in their subscription because of programming negotiations. Specifically, where a provider’s negotiations related to the retransmission or carriage of video programming result in the provider failing to offer access to programming included in a customer’s subscription, the customer must be issued a rebate for the affected period. The Federal Communications Commission is directed to issue rules to this effect, including to establish the appropriate amount for such a rebate.  

US SB3628

REAADI for Disasters Act Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act

Similar Bills

TX SJR54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

TX HJR98

US SB60

Write the Laws ActThis bill prohibits an act of Congress from containing any delegation of legislative powers, whether to any component within the legislative branch, the President or any other member of the executive branch, the judicial branch, any agency or quasi-public agency, any state or state instrumentality, or any other organization or individual.The Government Accountability Office must identify to Congress all statutes enacted before the date that is 90 days after this bill's enactment that contain any delegation of legislative power.Any act of Congress, presidential directive, adjudicative decision, rule, or regulation that is enacted 90 days or more after this bill's enactment and is noncompliant with this bill shall have no force or effect.