Legislation aimed at improving oversight of economically significant regulations has passed the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50), the bill seeks to establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations with an annual fiscal impact exceeding $1 million on the commonwealth, its municipalities, or the private sector.
Senate Bill 444 aims to ensure that these regulations remain effective and efficient. “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. She emphasized that the legislation promotes transparency, accountability, and better government performance.
The bill mandates that after three years in effect, the responsible agency must conduct a thorough review of each regulation and submit a report to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC). Following this submission, a public comment period of no less than 30 days will be opened by the IRRC before deciding whether the regulation continues to serve the public interest or if statutory changes should be recommended.
Brooks highlighted the connection with Senate Bill 333, known as the REINS Act, which she also cosponsors. This act requires legislative approval before new economically significant regulations can take effect, ensuring oversight both before and after implementation.
“Together, Senate Bill 444 and the REINS Act establish a thorough review process, protecting our economy from obsolete and excessive regulatory burdens and reaffirming the role of the legislature as a key check on executive agencies,” stated Brooks.
Both bills are now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
