The bill seeks to address concerns about the over-regulation that state agencies can impose. It compels agencies to consider the redundancy and efficacy of existing rules before adding new ones, purportedly leading to a less cumbersome regulatory landscape. Supporters assert that this will ease the compliance burden on individuals and businesses, fostering a more business-friendly atmosphere within the state of Illinois.
Summary
House Bill 4696 aims to amend the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act by instituting a new requirement for state agencies regarding the adoption of new rules. Specifically, the bill stipulates that for every new rule adopted by a state agency, it must simultaneously remove two or more existing rules. This directive is intended to streamline the regulatory process and reduce the overall number of regulations in place, which proponents argue will lead to a more efficient administrative environment.
Contention
However, the bill has raised questions regarding its practicality and potential consequences. Critics argue that the requirement to remove multiple existing rules for each new rule could inadvertently lead to the elimination of important regulations that protect public health, safety, and welfare. They express concern that this approach might prioritize quantity over quality of regulations, resulting in gaps in oversight and enforcement.