Guidance Clarity Act
Federal Agency Guidance: Mandatory Disclaimer Labels
Guidance Clarity Act of 2025
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill requires federal agencies to put a clear disclaimer on the first page of any "guidance" documents they publish. Guidance documents are used by agencies to explain how they interpret laws, but they are often confused with actual laws that people must follow.
- The required statement must tell the public that the document does not have the "force and effect of law." This means the document itself cannot be used to legally bind or punish a person or business; it is only meant to provide helpful information about existing rules.
- This change aims to protect regular people and small businesses from being pressured by the government to follow unofficial rules. It ensures that everyone knows the difference between a suggestion from an agency and a law passed by Congress.
- Within 90 days of the bill becoming law, the Office of Management and Budget would create the specific instructions for agencies to follow. Agencies would then have to include this label on all new guidance documents they release to the public.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 490.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-569.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 19.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
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Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Guidance Clarity Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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