Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1925

Introduced
12/28/23  

Caption

Further providing for definitions and for existing regulations.

Impact

This bill also mandates that existing regulations are reviewed after a three-year period to assess their effectiveness and impact on the regulated community. The independent regulatory review commission will evaluate whether regulations continue to serve the public interest based on established criteria. Stakeholders, therefore, can expect periodic reviews that may lead to alterations in existing regulations or even their repeal if deemed necessary. Proponents believe this ensures that outdated or burdensome regulations do not remain in effect without justification.

Summary

House Bill 1925 proposes amendments to the Regulatory Review Act aimed at enhancing the oversight and review of regulations within the state of Pennsylvania. A significant change introduced by the bill is the formal definition of 'economically significant regulation', which refers to regulations expected to incur costs exceeding $1 million to the Commonwealth, its political subdivisions, and the private sector annually. This new definition is intended to facilitate more rigorous analysis of major regulations and their financial implications for stakeholders.

Sentiment

Discussions around the bill have yielded a mixed sentiment among legislators and stakeholders. Supporters argue that the amendments to the Regulatory Review Act will enhance government accountability and transparency, ultimately protecting taxpayers and businesses from unnecessary regulatory burdens. However, opponents express concern that the emphasis on economic impact could prioritize business interests over public health and safety, potentially undermining regulations that protect the environment and consumer welfare.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between impactful business regulation and the need for regulatory measures that safeguard public interests. Some legislators and advocacy groups contend that the bill might encourage regulators to focus excessively on fiscal implications while neglecting essential social and environmental protections. This debate reflects broader themes of governance regarding how best to evaluate and implement regulations that serve the state’s diverse needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB190

Further providing for definitions and for existing regulations.

PA SB444

Further providing for definitions and for existing regulations.

PA SB428

Further providing for definitions and for existing regulations; and establishing the Independent Office of the Repealer and providing for its power and duties.

PA SB462

Further providing for definitions and for existing regulations; and establishing the Office of Government Efficiency and providing for its power and duties.

PA SB810

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations; further providing for existing regulations; and providing for State agency regulatory compliance officers and for Office of Government Efficiency.

PA SB726

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations; further providing for existing regulations; and providing for State agency regulatory compliance officers and for Independent Office of the Repealer.

PA HB1598

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations.

PA SB333

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations.

PA HB1601

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations.

PA HB487

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations by the commission; and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.