Bill · H.R. 4411· House(119-HR-4411)
Ban on Inkless Directives and Executive Notarizations Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 7/15/2025
- Last activity
- 7/15/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Addison McDowell
- Cosponsors
- - 6 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ban on Inkless Directives and Executive Notarizations Act of 2025," aims to amend title 3 of the United States Code. It seeks to clarify that specific Presidential functions cannot be delegated to others or handled via automated equipment. The bill specifically targets the signing of engrossed bills, Executive orders, and pardons or commutations. It prohibits the use of automatic signing devices, such as an autopen, for these purposes. Additionally, it establishes a rule regarding actions taken before the Act becomes effective.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+5
The bill centralizes specific signing authority directly within the Presidency.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
It enhances accountability by requiring the President to personally sign critical documents.
The opposite
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?-3
The retroactivity clause could negatively impact the legal standing of past executive actions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Ensures direct Presidential accountability: By requiring that no person other than the President may lawfully sign an engrossed bill, Executive order, or pardon or commutation, the bill ensures these specific actions are handled by the President personally (Section 2).
-
Prevents the use of automated signing tools: The provision prohibits the use of an automatic signing device, including an autopen, for the signing of certain official documents (Section 2).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Invalidates certain prior official actions: Any engrossed bill, Executive order, or pardon or commutation that was signed in violation of the amended section 301 of title 3, including those signed before the effective date of this Act, may not be considered to have any force or effect (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+5Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Due Process-3
- 7/15/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mike CollinsRepublican · Georgia
Harriet HagemanRepublican · Wyoming
Anna Paulina LunaRepublican · Florida
Robert OnderRepublican · Missouri
David TaylorRepublican · Ohio
Derrick Van OrdenRepublican · Wisconsin