Public Law (PL) represents a crucial element of United States legislation. It refers to a public bill or joint resolution that has successfully navigated through both House of Representatives and the Senate, and thereafter, been enacted into law by the President’s signature. Unlike private bills, which are specific and impact a particular individual or entity, public laws hold general applicability and carry nationwide impact. They set precedents, establish rules, and contribute to the nation’s legal framework, playing a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legislative landscape.
Public Law (PL) can address a vast array of subjects, including civil rights, environmental policy, taxation, and more. They are enacted to serve the public interest, protect rights, or provide government benefits. Each public law is assigned a unique number upon enactment, making it straightforward to identify and reference in legal contexts and GSA operations. For example, ‘Public Law 89-800’ would refer to the 800th law passed during the 89th Congress. Public Law (PL) is the embodiment of democracy in action, illustrating the process of lawmaking in a representative government.
