Legal Definitions - enacted clause

Enacted Clause

An enacted clause refers to a specific section, provision, or statement within a larger legal document, such as a statute, regulation, or ordinance, that has been formally approved and made into law. Once enacted, this clause carries legal force and is binding on those it applies to. It is a distinct part of the law that has passed through the necessary legislative or regulatory process.

Here are some examples illustrating an enacted clause:

• Example 1: Federal Environmental Law

  Imagine the U.S. Congress passes a new environmental protection act. Within this act, there is a specific provision, let's say Section 5(a), which states: "All industrial facilities must install air filtration systems that reduce particulate emissions by at least 90% within two years of this Act's effective date."

  This particular statement, Section 5(a), is an enacted clause because it is a legally binding requirement that has been formally approved as part of a federal statute. Companies subject to this law are now legally obligated to comply with this specific provision.

• Example 2: State Consumer Protection Regulation

  Consider a state's Department of Consumer Affairs issuing new regulations to protect buyers of used cars. One specific regulation, perhaps Rule 3.14, mandates: "Used car dealerships must provide a comprehensive 30-day warranty on all vehicles sold for over $5,000."

  This Rule 3.14 is an enacted clause. It is a specific, legally enforceable requirement within the state's consumer protection framework, compelling dealerships to offer a warranty under certain conditions.

• Example 3: City Zoning Ordinance

  A city council passes a new zoning ordinance to manage urban development. Article VII, Subsection B of this ordinance specifies: "No building in the downtown commercial district shall exceed five stories in height, unless a special permit is granted by the Zoning Board."

  This particular rule regarding building height is an enacted clause. It is a specific, legally binding restriction that property developers and owners in the downtown area must adhere to, having been formally adopted as part of the city's local laws.