What This Bill Does · Plain English
Summary · Congress.gov
Guidance Clarity Act of 2025 This bill requires federal agencies to state on the first page of guidance documents that such guidance (1) does not have the force and effect of law, and (2) is intended only to provide clarity to the public about existing legal requirements or agency policies.
Action Timeline
2025-11-03
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 250.
2025-11-03
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-11-03
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
2025-07-30
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
2025-01-13
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
2025-01-13
Introduced in Senate
Frequently Asked Questions
Did S.81 pass?
S.81 is still alive. Current stage: REPORTED. Pass likelihood: 34%.
What does S.81 do?
Guidance Clarity Act of 2025 This bill requires federal agencies to state on the first page of guidance documents that such guidance (1) does not have the force and effect of law, and (2) is intended only to provide clarity to the public about existing legal requirements or agency policies.
Who sponsored S.81?
S.81 was sponsored by James Lankford (R-Oklahoma).
Full Bill Text
II Calendar No. 250 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 81 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 13, 2025 Mr. Lankford (for himself, Mr. Johnson , and Mrs. Moody ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs November 3, 2025 Reported by Mr. Paul , with an amendment Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic A BILL To require a guidance clarity statement on certain agency guidance, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Guidance Clarity Act of 2025 . 2. Guidance clarity statement required (a) Requirement Each agency, as defined in section 551 of title 5, United States Code, shall include a guidance clarity statement as described in subsection (b) on any guidance issued by that agency under section 553(b)(3)(A) of title 5, United States Code, on and after the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget issues the guidance required under subsection (c). (b) Guidance clarity statement A guidance clarity statement required under subsection (a) shall— (1) be displayed prominently on the first page of the document; and (2) include the following: The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and do not, of themselves, bind the public or the agency. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. . (c) OMB guidance Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue guidance to implement this Act. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Guidance Clarity Act of 2025 . 2. Guidance clarity statement required (a) Requirement Each agency, as defined in section 551 of title 5, United States Code, shall include a guidance clarity statement as described in subsection (b) on any guidance issued by that agency under section 553(b)(4)(A) of title 5, United States Code, on and after the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Director of the Office of Management and Budget issues the guidance required under subsection (c). (b) Guidance clarity statement A guidance clarity statement required under subsection (a) shall— (1) be displayed prominently on the first page of the document; and (2) include the following: The contents of this document do not have the force and effect of law and do not, of themselves, bind the public or the agency. This document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. . (c) OMB guidance Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue guidance to implement this Act. November 3, 2025 Reported with an amendment
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