Legal Definitions - enacting words

Enacting words refer to the specific, formal language found at the beginning of a legislative document that officially declares it to be a binding law. These words serve as a legal pronouncement, signaling that the text which follows has been properly approved by the relevant authority and now carries the full force of law. They transform a proposed bill into an active statute or ordinance.

Here are some examples illustrating enacting words:

• Imagine the U.S. Congress has passed a new law designed to fund improvements to national parks. The official document for this law would begin with a phrase like: "Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That..."

  This phrase represents the enacting words. They formally declare that the subsequent text, detailing the funding allocations and park improvement plans, is now a federal statute, legally binding across the United States. Without these specific words, the document would merely be a proposal or a draft, lacking legal authority.

• Consider a state legislature that has approved a bill to update its state's consumer protection laws, for instance, regarding online privacy. The legislative document might open with language such as: "The General Assembly of the State of [State Name] hereby enacts as follows:"

  These are the enacting words for a state law. This statement signifies that the legislative body of the state has officially approved the provisions that follow, making them enforceable state law. It confers legal authority upon the new consumer protection regulations, requiring businesses and individuals within that state to comply.

• Suppose a city council decides to pass a new ordinance regulating the use of electric scooters on public sidewalks within its jurisdiction. The official city ordinance document might begin with: "Be it ordained by the City Council of [City Name], that..."

  This phrase serves as the enacting words for a local ordinance. It formally establishes the city council's authority to create local law and transforms the proposed rules for electric scooter usage into a legally binding regulation that residents and visitors within the city must follow.