HARRISBURG – Legislation that would establish a one-time automatic review process for economically significant regulations to ensure they remain effective, efficient and in the public interest was passed by the Senate, according to the sponsor, Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50).
Senate Bill 444 defines an “economically significant regulation” as one that imposes a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on the commonwealth, its municipalities or the private sector.
“Senate Bill 444 gives Pennsylvanians and their elected representatives an essential tool to ensure that costly regulations receive the scrutiny needed to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens that punish our local governments, small businesses, farmers and working families,” said Brooks. “This legislation promotes transparency, accountability and better government performance.”
Under the bill, after three years in effect, the agency responsible for the regulation must conduct a thorough review and submit a report to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).
This report includes:
- The status of the regulation’s implementation.
- Its effectiveness and efficiency, including efforts to improve implementation.
- The direct and indirect costs compared to initial estimates and public feedback.
- Whether current laws require repeal or amendment of the regulation.
- Whether the regulation is still necessary or if changes are being considered.
Following this, the IRRC will open a public comment period of no less than 30 days before deciding whether the regulation continues to serve the public interest or if statutory changes should be recommended.
Brooks also noted the synergy with Senate Bill 333, the REINS Act, which she cosponsors. It would require legislative approval before new economically significant regulations take effect, providing oversight both before and after regulations are implemented.
“Together, Senate Bill 444 and the REINS Act establish a thorough review process, protecting our economy from obsolete and excessive regulatory burdens and reaffirm the role of the legislature as a key check on executive agencies,” said Brooks.
The bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Adam Gingrich