Unfunded Mandate
An unfunded mandate is a requirement imposed on a state, local, or tribal government without sufficient federal funding to cover the costs, in the broader policy sense. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act defines particular mandates and establishes procedures for assessing certain costs, with exemptions and limits.
An unfunded mandate is a requirement imposed on a state, local, or tribal government without sufficient federal funding to cover the costs, in the broader policy sense. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act defines particular mandates and establishes procedures for assessing certain costs, with exemptions and limits.
Example: A proposed federal requirement that local governments undertake a new service without providing funds may be criticized as an unfunded mandate.
Common misconception: Every federal requirement without full reimbursement is legally an unfunded mandate under the 1995 Act. The statute’s definitions and exceptions determine which requirements it covers.
Sources: https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R40957; https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R40957