Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does a sunset provision indicate?

1. An initiative that is permanent

2. A regulation that needs annual approval

3. A provision that will be discontinued unless extended

4. A law that cannot be renewed

The correct answer is: A provision that will be discontinued unless extended

A sunset provision represents a legislative mechanism designed to ensure that certain laws or regulations are reassessed after a specific period. In this context, it indicates that the law or provision will automatically expire unless action is taken to extend it. This approach encourages ongoing evaluation of the legislation's effectiveness, relevance, and necessity. By incorporating a sunset clause, legislators can prevent outdated or ineffective laws from remaining in force indefinitely. In contrast, the other options suggest permanence or continual approval, which does not align with the essence of a sunset provision. A law being described as permanent or needing annual approval fails to capture the temporary nature and evaluation component inherent in a sunset clause. Similarly, suggesting that a law cannot be renewed does not accurately reflect the possibility of extension; rather, the provision is explicitly designed to allow for a reassessment and potential renewal based on its effectiveness and need at that time.