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Bill

HR 1099

CLEAR Act

119th Congress Introduced by Alma Adams and 54 co-sponsors

The CLEAR Act ensures citizens can access government records easily, setting response timelines and penalties for non-compliance to boost transparency and accountability.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1099

Summary of HR 1099 - CLEAR Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 1099
  • Title: Consistent Legal Expectations and Access to Records Act (CLEAR Act)
  • Status: Introduced in House
  • Introduced Date: February 06, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The CLEAR Act aims to establish consistent legal expectations regarding access to records held by government entities. This legislation is designed to enhance transparency and accountability within federal agencies by ensuring that citizens have clear and reliable access to public records.

Key Provisions

While the specific provisions of the CLEAR Act have not been detailed in the introduced version, the intent of the bill suggests the following potential areas of focus:

  • Standardization of Access: The bill may propose a uniform framework for how public records are requested and accessed across various government agencies.
  • Timelines for Response: It could establish mandatory timelines for agencies to respond to records requests, thereby reducing delays and improving efficiency.
  • Clarification of Rights: The legislation may clarify the rights of individuals in accessing records, ensuring that citizens are aware of their entitlements under the law.
  • Penalties for Non-Compliance: There may be provisions for penalties or consequences for agencies that fail to comply with the established access standards.

Affected Parties

The CLEAR Act would primarily impact:
- Citizens and Advocacy Groups: Individuals and organizations seeking access to government records for transparency and accountability purposes.
- Federal Agencies: Government entities that manage public records and would need to adapt their processes to comply with the new standards set forth by the legislation.

Legislative Actions

  • February 06, 2025: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for further consideration.

Sponsors

The CLEAR Act has garnered support from a diverse group of sponsors, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Hillary J. Scholten
- Cosponsors: Notable cosponsors include Gwen Moore, Joe Neguse, Christopher R. Deluzio, and many others, totaling over 50 bipartisan supporters.

Conclusion

The CLEAR Act represents a significant step towards enhancing governmental transparency and ensuring that citizens have the tools necessary to access public records. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details on specific provisions and impacts will be revealed. The commitment from a wide range of sponsors indicates a strong interest in improving public access to government information.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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