Legis Daily

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-6622| House 
| Updated: 1/8/2026
Ben Cline

Ben Cline

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2708
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3446
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023
Dec 11, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 11, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 8, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 8.
Jan 8, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2708
    Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3446
    Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023


  • December 11, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 11, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • January 8, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 8.


  • January 8, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Government Operations and Politics

Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-6622| House 
| Updated: 1/8/2026
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-2708
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-3446
Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023
Dec 11, 2025
Introduced in House
Dec 11, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 8, 2026
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 8.
Jan 8, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-2708
    Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-3446
    Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2023


  • December 11, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • December 11, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.


  • January 8, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 8.


  • January 8, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Ben Cline

Ben Cline

Republican Representative

Virginia

Cosponsors (1)
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Government Operations and Politics

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted