List of uniform acts (United States)

A list of uniform acts in the United States refers to model laws drafted by the Uniform Law Commission (ULC), also known as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL). The ULC is a non-profit, unincorporated association comprising lawyers appointed by each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its purpose is to draft and promote uniform laws on subjects where uniformity of legislation among the states is desirable.

The acts are "uniform" because they are proposed for adoption by all states, ideally resulting in a consistent legal framework across state lines on specific issues. However, states are free to adopt, reject, or modify these acts as they see fit. Thus, while the goal is uniformity, the actual implementation may vary.

The ULC's work covers a broad range of subjects, including commercial law, family law, property law, probate law, and others. Some of the most well-known and widely adopted uniform acts include the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), the Uniform Probate Code, the Uniform Partnership Act, and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

The process of drafting a uniform act involves extensive research, deliberation, and input from experts in the relevant field. Once a draft is finalized and approved by the ULC, it is presented to state legislatures for consideration. The ULC also provides ongoing support to states considering the adoption of its acts, including offering technical assistance and answering questions.

The existence of uniform acts aims to streamline interstate transactions, reduce legal uncertainty, and promote fairness and efficiency in the legal system. While not all uniform acts achieve widespread adoption, they often serve as valuable models for state legislation and contribute to the evolution of law in the United States.