H.R. 46 – One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act

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Updated February 7, 2026 at 9:06 PM UTC

The One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act would require every bill or joint resolution passed by Congress to address only a single subject, with that subject clearly stated in the title. It also restricts appropriations bills from including unrelated provisions and provides a legal mechanism for challenging violations. The rule would affect all members of Congress and any legislation they pass.

Key Provisions

Limits each bill or joint resolution to one subject, and the subject must be clearly expressed in the title.
Prohibits appropriations bills from containing unrelated general legislation or changes to existing law, except for spending limitations.
Declares any bill or provision that violates the single‑subject rule void.
Allows individuals, including members of Congress, to sue the United States for enforcement of a non‑compliant law, with courts reviewing such challenges de novo.

Legislative Activity

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2 earlier actions

HouseCommittee Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

March 1, 2021

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

January 4, 2021

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

January 4, 2021

HouseCommittee

Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Constitution and Limited Government Subcommittee

March 1, 2021

Bill Text

Latest available legislative text

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Introduced in HouseIssued January 4, 2021

I

117th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 46

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

January 4, 2021

Mr. Biggs introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

A BILL

To require that each bill enacted by Congress be limited to only one subject and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the One Bill, One Subject Transparency Act.

2.

One subject per bill

(a)

One subject

Each bill or joint resolution shall embrace no more than one subject.

(b)

Subject in title

The subject of a bill or joint resolution shall be clearly and descriptively expressed in the title.

(c)

Appropriation bills

An appropriations bill shall not contain any general legislation or change of existing law provision which is not germane to the subject matter of the underlying bill. This subsection does not prohibit any provision imposing limitations upon the expenditure of appropriated funds.

3.

Enforcement

(a)

Multiple subjects in title

If the title of an Act or joint resolution addresses two or more unrelated subjects, then the entire Act or joint resolution is void.

(b)

Provisions not expressed in title

If an Act or joint resolution contains provisions concerning a subject that is not clearly and descriptively expressed in its title, those provisions shall be void.

(c)

Appropriation provisions outside subcommittee jurisdiction

If an Act appropriating funds contains a provision outside of the jurisdiction of the relevant subcommittee of the Committees on Appropriations of the House and of the Senate, and therefore outside the subject of the bill, then such provision shall be void.

(d)

Provisions of appropriation bills not germane to subject matter

If an Act appropriating funds contains general legislation or change of existing law provision not germane to the subject matter of the underlying bill, then every such provision shall be void.

(e)

Commencement of an action

Any person, including a Member of the House of Representatives or a Member of the Senate, aggrieved by the enforcement or threat of enforcement of Acts that do not comply with section 2 shall have a cause of action under sections 2201 and 2202 of title 28, United States Code, against the United States to seek appropriate relief, including an injunction against the enforcement of any law, the passage of which did not conform to section 2 or this section. The cause of action only applies to an Act or joint resolution signed into law on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

(f)

State of review

In any judicial action brought pursuant to subsection (e), the standard of review shall be de novo.