The "One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act" aims to streamline legislation by requiring that each bill or joint resolution passed by Congress address only one subject , which must be clearly and descriptively expressed in its title. This measure seeks to prevent the inclusion of unrelated provisions within a single piece of legislation. The bill specifically prohibits appropriations measures from containing general legislation or changes to existing law that are not germane to the bill's core subject matter, though limitations on spending are permitted. Non-compliant acts face severe consequences: if a bill's title covers multiple unrelated subjects, the entire act is rendered void , and any provisions not clearly expressed in the title or non-germane appropriations clauses are also void. To ensure adherence, the Act establishes a judicial enforcement mechanism , allowing any aggrieved person, including Members of Congress, to file a lawsuit against the United States to seek relief, such as an injunction, against the enforcement of non-compliant laws.
AppropriationsCivil actions and liabilityGovernment liabilityLegislative rules and procedure
One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act
USA119th CongressHR-95| House
| Updated: 1/3/2025
The "One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act" aims to streamline legislation by requiring that each bill or joint resolution passed by Congress address only one subject , which must be clearly and descriptively expressed in its title. This measure seeks to prevent the inclusion of unrelated provisions within a single piece of legislation. The bill specifically prohibits appropriations measures from containing general legislation or changes to existing law that are not germane to the bill's core subject matter, though limitations on spending are permitted. Non-compliant acts face severe consequences: if a bill's title covers multiple unrelated subjects, the entire act is rendered void , and any provisions not clearly expressed in the title or non-germane appropriations clauses are also void. To ensure adherence, the Act establishes a judicial enforcement mechanism , allowing any aggrieved person, including Members of Congress, to file a lawsuit against the United States to seek relief, such as an injunction, against the enforcement of non-compliant laws.