What is 'sunset provision' in legislation?

• A. A clause that automatically increases budget every year.
• B. A clause that allows permanent continuation of a program.
• C. A clause that terminates a program after a set date unless renewed.
• D. A clause that prohibits amendments to the program.

Answer: (C)

A sunset provision is a clause in a law that sets an automatic end date for the program or the statute unless Congress acts to renew or reauthorize it. This design forces periodic review, giving lawmakers a chance to evaluate effectiveness, costs, and continued need. That’s why the description describing ending the program after a set date unless it’s renewed is the best fit.

The other ideas describe different mechanisms: an automatic budget increase is about ongoing funding growth, not expiration; a permanent continuation eliminates the sunset idea altogether; and prohibiting amendments would restrict changes but doesn’t specify an expiration date.