policyengine-reform-patterns

Implement PolicyEngine policy reforms using factory patterns and in_effect toggles.

2|Updated Mar 31, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/PolicyEngine/policyengine-skills --skill policyengine-reform-patterns
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: policyengine-reform-patterns
Source: https://github.com/PolicyEngine/policyengine-skills/tree/main/skills/technical-patterns/policyengine-reform-patterns-skill
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/PolicyEngine/policyengine-skills --skill policyengine-reform-patterns

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

PolicyEngine reform patterns provide a standardized, reusable approach to implementing contributed reforms, including the 5-year lookahead mechanism, in_effect toggles, and parameter/variable management inside reform factories.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Inner factory pattern that defines variables within a closure and returns a Reform class.
  • Outer lookahead wrapper that activates reforms based on in_effect across a 5-year window.
  • Support for parameter modification, nested in_effect sub-features, and comprehensive test patterns for policy proposals.

Quick Start

Import and register a reform from policyengine_us.reforms.states.{st}.{bill_id}, then run the standard tests to validate activation and parameter integration.

Frequently Asked Questions about policyengine-reform-patterns

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I implement PolicyEngine reforms using standardized factory patterns?▼

PolicyEngine reform patterns use an inner factory pattern defining variables within a closure, returning a Reform class to standardize contributed policy implementations across state and federal levels.

What is the 5-year lookahead wrapper for PolicyEngine policy reforms?▼

The 5-year lookahead wrapper is an outer function that activates PolicyEngine reforms based on in_effect toggles across a five-year window, ensuring variables and parameter modifications trigger correctly.

How do I register and test contributed policy reforms in PolicyEngine?▼

Import and register a reform from policyengine_us.reforms.states to validate activation and parameter integration, applying comprehensive test patterns required by the repository conventions.

Does the PolicyEngine reform factory pattern support parameter modification and nested in_effect sub-features?▼

Yes, the reform factory pattern supports parameter modification workflows, nested in_effect sub-features, and module-level bypass exports to manage varying scopes within policy proposals.

What's the best way to structure variables and documentation for PolicyEngine reform projects?▼

Standardize structure by defining variables inside an inner closure, applying the 5-year lookahead wrapper, and following repository documentation and test conventions to ensure consistent reform project formatting.

Why does my PolicyEngine reform pattern not work with state and federal scopes?▼

Reform patterns fail without consistent structure across varying scopes; applying the standardized factory pattern, in_effect toggles, and proper module-level bypass exports ensures compatibility for both state and federal reforms.