H.R.1515 - Guidance Out Of Darkness Act; GOOD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1515, the Guidance Out Of Darkness Act (GOOD Act), aims to increase public access to agency guidance documents by requiring agencies to publish these documents in a single, designated location on the internet. This includes both newly issued and previously issued guidance documents. The bill also addresses the handling of rescinded guidance documents and exemptions for documents protected under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Expected Effects
The primary effect of the GOOD Act would be increased transparency and accessibility of agency guidance documents. This could lead to better public understanding of agency policies and interpretations. It may also increase agency accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in government operations.
- Improved public access to information.
- Greater accountability for agency actions.
- Streamlined access to guidance documents through a single online location.
- Clear identification of rescinded guidance documents.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with implementing the publication requirements.
- Risk of overwhelming the public with excessive information.
- Possible delays in issuing guidance documents due to publication requirements.
- The definition of 'guidance document' may be subject to interpretation, leading to inconsistencies.
- Agencies may be hesitant to issue guidance documents, fearing increased scrutiny.
Constitutional Alignment
The GOOD Act aligns with the principles of transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's design to ensure a government accountable to the people. While the Constitution does not explicitly address agency guidance documents, the emphasis on informing the public aligns with the spirit of the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech and the press, enabling citizens to be informed about government actions. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).