July 15, 2025
Mr. McDowell (for himself, Mrs. Luna, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Van Orden, Ms. Hageman, Mr. Onder, and Mr. Collins) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
To amend title 3, United States Code, to clarify that certain Presidential functions may not be delegated or carried out using any automated equipment.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Ban on Inkless Directives and Executive Notarizations Act of 2025
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Sec. 2. No delegation or use of autopen
Section 301 of title 3, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: Notwithstanding this section or any other provision of law, no person other than the President may lawfully sign an engrossed bill, Executive order, or pardon or commutation, nor may automatic signing device, including an autopen, be used for such purpose.
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Sec. 3. Rule regarding prior actions
No engrossed bill, Executive order, or pardon or commutation that was signed in violation of section 301 of title 3, United States Code, including any such an engrossed bill, Executive order, or pardon or commutation signed prior to the effective date of this Act, may be considered to have any force or effect.