sunset law

noun

1. a statute that includes provision for automatic termination of a government program, agency, etc., at the end of a specified time period unless it is reauthorized by the legislature.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunset law¹

An Americanism dating back to 1975–80

Example Sentences

In 1977, Time magazine called Mr. Peirce “the only national chronicler of grassroots America,” and reported that his coverage of a “sunset law” in Colorado, where spending programs were reevaluated each year, prompted legislators to introduce similar measures in eight other states.

From Washington Post

Under Texas’s sunset law, the state bar will cease to exist on Sept. 1, 2017 unless it is reauthorized by lawmakers in the session that begins in January.

From Wall Street Journal

The U.N. needs a sunset law to eliminate units that have outlived their usefulness.

From Time Magazine Archive

A column on Colorado's "sunset law," which requires a yearly re-evaluation of spending programs, prompted legislators in eight other states to introduce similar measures.

From Time Magazine Archive

At the same time, all regulatory agencies and their current rules could be made subject to a "sunset law" that would require a regular examination of whether or not the original aims were being achieved and were still necessary.

From Time Magazine Archive