Do we need a Transition of Presidential Powers Act? Something that consolidates...

[NurseJackie]

... enumerates and codifies into law all the traditional; common-sense; professional; patriotic; mature and ethical aspects of everything that a smooth transition of power has always had in the past? For continuity of services and for strategic national security, I think something like that is now essential.

Maybe there an obscure act already on the books that I'm unaware of... but it certainly sounds like we need one now.

[Turin_C3PO]

1. Sounds like a great idea to me.

There's a lot of "norms and traditions " that we need to codify into law in case we get another asshole like Trump.

[exboyfil]

4. How much "didn't need it before Trump"

Hatch Act penalties for violations
Special Prosecutor appointed by Congress (had that before and it was abused)

[Ms. Toad]

2. There is.

Here's the act: https://presidentialtransition.org/publications/presidential-transition-act-summary/

Here's an overview of how it is supposed to work:

https://center-forward.org/transition-power-one-presidential-administration-next/

The next stage requires certification from the GSA. They are relying on fuzzy language to avoid giving Biden the access to which he is entitled.

[exboyfil]

3. The law refers to the President-elect

Unfortunately I haven't found a definition in the law for who is the President-elect. I would assume the default would be whoever has 270 EVs after the states certify the election. That can be really bad because California is 12/11. Maryland is 12/8. New Jersey is 12/8. New York is 12/7.

[dlk]

5. Trump & the Republicans have taught us

Many of the norms and traditions must be codified. Not only for the transition but also anti-nepotism rules, emoluments rules and so forth. We’ve past the point where the honor system can be counted on.