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Understanding the Paperwork Reduction Act [PRA]: A Legal Overview
Definition & Meaning
The Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) is a federal law enacted in 1980 that aims to minimize the amount of paperwork required by federal agencies, businesses, and individuals. The Act gives the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) the authority to oversee the collection of information, ensuring that the burden of paperwork is reduced for all parties involved. The PRA established the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which is responsible for managing federal information policies and practices. An amendment in 1995 enhanced the security of the information collected by the government and improved public access to this data.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
The Paperwork Reduction Act is primarily utilized in the context of administrative law and regulatory compliance. It is relevant for federal agencies that collect information from the public, ensuring that such collections are necessary and not overly burdensome. This law is significant for businesses that interact with federal agencies, as it affects how they provide information and comply with federal regulations. Users can manage forms and procedures related to the PRA using resources like US Legal Forms, which offers templates designed by legal professionals.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
For instance, a federal agency may need to collect data from small businesses to evaluate the impact of a new regulation. Under the PRA, the agency must justify the need for this data collection and ensure that it does not impose an excessive burden on the businesses involved. (hypothetical example)
Relevant laws & statutes
The primary statute related to this term is the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980, as amended in 1995. This law outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies in collecting information and mandates the reduction of unnecessary paperwork.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Difference
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
A law that allows individuals to request access to federal agency records.
FOIA focuses on public access to records, while PRA focuses on reducing paperwork burden.
Administrative Procedure Act (APA)
A law governing the process by which federal agencies develop and issue regulations.
APA outlines procedural requirements, while PRA emphasizes reducing unnecessary information collection.
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are a business or individual who needs to provide information to a federal agency, familiarize yourself with the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Ensure that any information collection is justified and not overly burdensome. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can help you manage the paperwork. If your situation is complex, consider seeking professional legal assistance.
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