Understanding the Federal Advisory Committee Act and Its Importance

Q: Who is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act?

FACA applies to advisory committees formed by federal agencies.

Q: Are all advisory committees required to follow FACA?

No, only those established by federal agencies are required to comply with FACA.

Definition & Meaning

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1972 that regulates the establishment and operation of federal advisory committees. These committees are formed to provide advice and recommendations to federal agencies and officials within the executive branch. The Act ensures that the activities of these committees are transparent and accessible to the public, allowing citizens to engage in the decision-making process of the government.

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Legal Use & context

FACA is primarily used in the context of federal governance and administrative law. It applies to various advisory committees that assist federal agencies in making informed decisions. Legal practitioners may encounter FACA when dealing with issues related to public participation, transparency, and access to government information. Users can manage related forms and procedures through templates provided by services like US Legal Forms, which offer legal documents tailored to comply with FACA requirements.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

One example of a federal advisory committee is the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, which provides advice on health and human service issues in rural areas. Another hypothetical example could be a committee formed to advise on environmental policy changes affecting national parks (hypothetical example).

Relevant laws & statutes

The primary statute governing federal advisory committees is the Federal Advisory Committee Act itself (5 U.S.C. App. 2). Additional regulations may apply depending on specific agencies or issues addressed by the committees.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Differences
Advisory Committee	A group formed to provide advice to an organization.	FACA specifically regulates federal advisory committees.
Task Force	A temporary group formed to address a specific issue.	Task forces may not be governed by FACA if they do not meet certain criteria.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved with a federal advisory committee or are seeking to participate in one, ensure that you understand the requirements of FACA. You may want to access legal forms related to public participation or committee formation through US Legal Forms. If your situation is complex, consider consulting a legal professional for tailored advice.

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Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the Federal Advisory Committee Act?

The purpose of FACA is to ensure that advisory committees provide transparent and accessible advice to federal agencies.