Which act is often associated with the trend of devolution?

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 is often associated with the trend of devolution because it significantly shifted the responsibility for welfare programs from the federal government to the states. This act transformed the existing welfare system by instituting a system of block grants for states, which allowed them greater flexibility in how to administer welfare programs. As a result, states were empowered to create their own eligibility requirements and services, reflecting the broader principle of devolution that advocates for the distribution of power and responsibility from the federal level to state and local levels.

Devolution emphasizes state autonomy and the idea that local governments may better understand and address the needs of their constituents. This act's focus on reducing federal oversight and increasing state control exemplifies the devolutionary approach in U.S. governance during that period. Other acts mentioned do not have the same direct implications for shifting responsibilities from federal to state governments.