Congress·Reported·H.R. 2409

Guidance Clarity Act

Federal Agency Guidance: Mandatory Disclaimer Labels

Guidance Clarity Act of 2025

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

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.

3 milestones6 actions

Mar 24, 2026House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 490.

Mar 24, 2026House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-569.

May 21, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 19.

May 21, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Mar 27, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

1 bill

Guidance Clarity Act of 2025

Nov 3 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 250.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Guidance Clarity Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 2409

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 490.

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

(7)

D: 2R: 5

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