S.252 - Guidance Out Of Darkness Act; GOOD Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Guidance Out Of Darkness Act (GOOD Act) aims to increase public access to agency guidance documents. It mandates that agencies publish these documents in a single, designated online location. This includes both newly issued and previously existing guidance documents, with exceptions for information exempt under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to greater transparency and public awareness of agency policies and interpretations. This increased accessibility could influence public behavior and business decisions. It could also potentially increase agency accountability.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency of agency actions.
- Increased public awareness of agency guidance.
- Easier access to information for businesses and individuals.
- Potential for greater accountability of agencies.
- Centralized location for finding guidance documents.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential burden on agencies to compile and publish documents.
- Possible costs associated with creating and maintaining the online repository.
- Risk of misinterpretation of guidance documents by the public.
- Could lead to increased litigation if guidance is unclear.
- May not significantly impact those without internet access.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the principles of government transparency and accountability, which are implicit in the Constitution's emphasis on informing the public. While the Constitution doesn't explicitly address agency guidance documents, the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and the press supports the idea of open access to government information. The Act does not appear to infringe on 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).