arrow_back Back to App

Ban on Presidential Autopen Use for Key Legal Documents

This bill ensures that the President of the United States must personally sign all critical legal documents, including bills, executive orders, and pardons, prohibiting the use of automated signing devices like autopens. The goal is to enhance the authenticity and accountability behind decisions that impact citizens' lives. Crucially, the law states that any past documents signed in violation of these rules will lose their legal force, potentially affecting previously enacted legislation and executive actions.
Key points
The President must personally sign all engrossed bills, Executive Orders, and pardons or commutations; the use of autopens or other automatic signing devices is prohibited.
The President cannot delegate the authority to sign these critical documents to any other person.
Any past bills, executive orders, or pardons signed in violation of these new rules (e.g., using an autopen) are considered to have no legal force or effect.
The change aims to increase transparency and personal accountability for major governmental decisions.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4411
Sponsor: Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6]
Process start date: 2025-07-15
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Ban on Inkless Directives and Executive Notarizations Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_4411.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-07-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • The President must personally sign all engrossed bills, Executive Orders, and pardons or commutations; the use of autopens or other automatic signing devices is prohibited.
  • The President cannot delegate the authority to sign these critical documents to any other person.
  • Any past bills, executive orders, or pardons signed in violation of these new rules (e.g., using an autopen) are considered to have no legal force or effect.
  • The change aims to increase transparency and personal accountability for major governmental decisions.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

CATEGORIES

Courts and Law Other