What term describes laws that automatically expire after a set period?

What term describes laws that automatically expire after a set period?

• A. Expiring statutes
• B. Automatic termination provisions
• C. Temporary measures
• D. Sunset laws

Answer: (D)

A sunset clause is a provision in a law that says the law will expire on a specific date or after a set period unless the legislature acts to renew it. This design forces periodic review and prevents outdated or costly rules from continuing indefinitely. That’s why it’s the best term: it explicitly conveys automatic expiration tied to time and the need for renewal. Other terms are less precise or less standard. Expiring statutes isn’t a common label in constitutional or legislative language. Automatic termination provisions describe the effect, but “sunset” is the established name for the mechanism. Temporary measures describe the duration but not the automatic expiration feature.

A sunset clause is a provision in a law that says the law will expire on a specific date or after a set period unless the legislature acts to renew it. This design forces periodic review and prevents outdated or costly rules from continuing indefinitely. That’s why it’s the best term: it explicitly conveys automatic expiration tied to time and the need for renewal.

Other terms are less precise or less standard. Expiring statutes isn’t a common label in constitutional or legislative language. Automatic termination provisions describe the effect, but “sunset” is the established name for the mechanism. Temporary measures describe the duration but not the automatic expiration feature.