Legal Definitions - enabling act

An enabling act is a type of statute that permits something that was previously prohibited or creates new powers. It can also refer to a congressional statute that confers powers on an executive agency to carry out various delegated tasks.

For example, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is an enabling act that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and enables them to have equal access to employment, public accommodations, and other areas of life.

Another example is the Clean Air Act, which is an enabling act that authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air pollution and protect public health and the environment.

Overall, an enabling act is a type of statute that empowers individuals or agencies to take action that was previously restricted or prohibited.