Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025

This legislation aims to enhance transparency and impose new limitations on federal agencies when they enter into consent decrees and settlement agreements that compel regulatory action. It specifically applies to agreements arising from civil actions alleging unlawful withholding or delayed agency action that would affect private persons or state, local, or tribal governments. A core provision requires agencies to publish proposed agreements in the Federal Register and online at least 60 days before filing them with a court, allowing for public comment and agency response. The bill also facilitates intervention by affected parties, including state, local, and tribal governments, and mandates that settlement negotiations occur under court supervision with all intervenors present. To ensure accountability, the Attorney General or agency head must personally certify approval for agreements that convert discretionary duties, commit unappropriated funds, or divest agency discretion. Courts must review these agreements to ensure they allow adequate time for agencies to comply with rulemaking procedures. Additionally, agencies are required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing all such covered agreements and any associated attorney fees.