HARRISBURG—May 26, 2021 — State Senator Michele Brooks’ legislation to reduce the burden of costly regulations has passed the Senate.
Under Senate Bill 126, regulations with an economic impact or cost to the Commonwealth, to its political subdivisions, and to the private sector exceeding $1 million annually would be reviewed for their need, effectiveness and efficiency three years after implementation.
This one-time, automatic review would help protect businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and individuals from costly, burdensome regulations and hold state regulators accountable, Brooks said.
“This legislation upholds important constitutional checks and balances by ensuring that executive branch actions follow legislative intent and are having the desired effect without placing steep costs and administrative demands on farmers, businesses, nonprofits and, ultimately, taxpayers,” Brooks said. “Too often, regulations have unintended consequences that impede growth.”
In addition to Senate Bill 126, the Senate approved these other regulatory reform measures:
- Senate Bill 28 – Ensures transparency in permitting. The bill would require all agencies that issue permits to post information about the permits on an accessible tracking system for applicants to check the status of their applications.
- Senate Bill 426 – Provides additional legislative oversight of the regulatory review process. The goal of the legislation is to ensure state agencies are implementing the law and not trying to make the laws themselves.
- Senate Bill 520 – Requires the General Assembly to approve all regulations with an economic impact or cost to the Commonwealth, local governments and the private sector exceeding $1 million.
The regulatory reform bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“I consistently hear that overly prescriptive regulations and mandates create undue burdens on our farmers, local governments, and business owners. This legislation is an important step in identifying and rolling back bureaucratic red tape that stifles our agriculture industry, communities, and job growth,” Brooks said. “By loosening the grip of government, we can free innovators and investors and cultivate growth and new jobs.”
CONTACT: Diane McNaughton
Phone: (717) 787-1322
Email: dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov