sunset clause

Definition

A provision causing legislation to automatically expire after a set period unless renewed, forcing future lawmakers to actively continue the policy. It's the political equivalent of a subscription service that makes you reconfirm annually.

Example Usage

The surveillance powers included a five-year sunset clause, theoretically ensuring democratic oversight but really just scheduling the next big fight.

Origin

Emerged in 1970s-era government reform movements emphasizing program evaluation

Fun Fact

Texas reviews all state agencies every 12 years, and those without renewed authorization automatically dissolve—except this has never actually eliminated an agency, just created regular bureaucratic theater.

Source: Legislative drafting guides and administrative law textbooks

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