Agency Accountability: Clearer Rules and Statutory Authority for Citizens
This law increases transparency by requiring federal agencies to cite the exact statutory language that authorizes any new rule they propose or enforce. Citizens gain a new legal defense if a regulation is so vague or broad that the underlying law did not clearly prohibit their conduct. This ensures rules align with the specific intent of Congress.
Key points
Government agencies must clearly state the specific law, including the relevant statutory language, that gives them the authority to create a new regulation.
If you face a fine or penalty, the agency must inform you of the specific statute that forms the basis of the violated rule.
A new legal defense is established: you can argue against a penalty if an ordinary person could not have anticipated that your action was illegal based on the original Congressional statute.
Expired
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