Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes certain restrictions and limitations on settlement agreements entered into by the executive branch.

Highlights:

• Specifies that in any covered civil action, the agency that the covered civil action is brought against shall make available and publish online the notice of intent to sue and related complaint no later than 15 days after receiving notice (Sec. 3).

• Defines “Covered Civil Action”, “Covered Settlement Agreement”, and “Covered Consent Decree” as measures that affect the rights of private individuals and state, local, or tribal governments that does the following, including, but not limited to (Sec. 2):

• Compels agency action; or

• Alleges that the agency is unlawfully withholding or unreasonably delaying an agency action relating to a regulatory action.

• Requires that when a federal agency enters into a covered consent decree the agency inform the court of the following information, including (Sec. 3):

• The statutory basis for the proposed covered consent decree; and

• The settlement agreement and its terms.

• Requires the Attorney General approve of and sign any proposed covered consent decree or settlement agreement (Sec. 3).

• Requires each agency submit an annual report for that year to Congress that includes the following (Sec. 3):

• The number, identity, and content of covered civil actions brought against or settlement agreements entered into by the agency;

• A description of the statutory basis for each covered consent decree or settlement agreement entered into by the agency; and

• Any award of attorney fees or costs in a civil action resolved by the agency.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text