Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act
The Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act mandates robust transparency measures for state and federal legislative processes, including live-streamed sessions, real-time public access to proposed legislation, and structured public comment periods. It holds federal representatives accountable for engaging with state legislative processes and empowers citizens to vote on federal laws if public comment is not allowed.
Key Provisions
Transparency Requirements: Live streaming and archiving of all legislative sessions and committee meetings. Real-time public access to proposed legislation, amendments, and reports. Statewide news coverage of legislative proceedings.
Public Comment Periods: Minimum 10-day public comment period for state legislation.Federal laws must be open for public comment or face a state referendum vote.
Accountability for Federal Representatives: Federal representatives must provide written comments on state legislation or trigger automatic state referenda for the bill.
Oversight and Enforcement: Creation of a Legislative Transparency Board to monitor compliance and issue penalties.
Funding and Implementation: Allocates funding for technology and infrastructure to support transparency initiatives, with implementation required within 12 months.
Model Language
Section 1: Short Title: This Act shall be known as the “Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act.”
Section 2: Findings and Declarations
Transparent legislative processes are essential to a functioning democracy and maintaining public trust.
Public access to legislative proceedings and real-time updates on proposed laws empower citizens to participate in governance.
Requiring accountability and structured communication between state and federal representatives enhances the democratic process and representation.
Section 3: Transparency in State Legislative Processes
Live Streaming of Proceedings: All state legislative sessions and committee meetings shall be live-streamed and archived for public viewing.
Real-Time Access to Legislation: Proposed laws, amendments, and committee reports must be made publicly accessible online in real time.
Broadcast Coverage: A major statewide news station shall provide full coverage of legislative proceedings, including significant debates and votes.
Section 4: Public Comment Periods for State Legislation
Structured Public Comment: A minimum 10-day public comment period must precede voting on proposed state laws. Comments may be submitted online, in person, or via public hearings.
Federal Input on State Legislation: Federal representatives from the state delegation must submit written comments on state bills before they are heard on the chamber floor. Failure to submit comments will trigger automatic placement of the bill as a referendum on the state ballot.
Section 5: Federal Legislation and Public Referenda
Public Comment on Federal Laws: Federal laws requiring a vote by the state’s congressional delegation must be published for public comment for a minimum of 15 days.
Referendum Requirement: If the state’s federal delegation does not allow for public comment, the proposed federal law shall appear as a referendum on the state ballot for approval or rejection.
Section 6: Enforcement and Oversight
Legislative Transparency Board: A Legislative Transparency Board shall be established to oversee compliance, address violations, and provide annual reports on legislative transparency metrics.
Penalties for Non-Compliance: Violations of transparency provisions by state legislators or federal representatives shall result in fines or other sanctions as determined by the Legislative Transparency Board.
Section 7: Funding and Implementation
Budget Allocation: Funds shall be allocated to develop and maintain the infrastructure for live streaming, public comment portals, and news coverage.
Implementation Timeline: All provisions of this Act shall be implemented within 12 months of its enactment.
Section 8: Severability: If any provision of this Act is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect.