Bill would fix outdated legal citations across dozens of federal laws
In markupH.R. 5204Latest action
Sponsor: Jared Moskowitz · Representative · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To make technical amendments to update statutory references to certain provisions classified to title 7, title 20, and title 43, United States Code, and to correct related technical errors.
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 5204 corrects outdated cross-references in federal laws without changing any actual policy or benefits.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 5204 updates cross-references in dozens of federal laws covering agriculture, education, land management, wildlife, taxes, and territories, so citations point to the correct, current location in the . It fixes references like an old 1965 agricultural extension law and citations tied to student loan and higher education programs that were moved to different parts of the code. The bill makes no substantive changes to policy, rights, benefits, or funding.
Who does it affect?
Lawyers, government agencies, and researchers who rely on accurate legal citations are the main ones affected. The average person sees no direct practical effect.
Why does it matter?
Because outdated citations can create confusion when interpreting or applying federal law, this bill ensures laws correctly reference where related provisions now actually exist, keeping the accurate and navigable.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedSep 8, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 10, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.