Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024
The bill is expected to fundamentally alter how federal agencies process public comments during rulemaking. By imposing strict guidelines for identifying and managing mass comments—defined as a bulk submission of identical or nearly identical responses—the legislation aims to prevent the overwhelming influence of non-genuine submissions. The bill also mandates agencies to develop specific policies concerning the handling of computer-generated comments, anticipating an improved understanding of how these types of feedback impact the regulatory process.
House Bill 7528, titled the 'Comment Integrity and Management Act of 2024', aims to enhance the integrity and management of mass comments and computer-generated comments within the federal regulatory review process. This bill proposes amendments to the E-Government Act of 2002, focusing on establishing clear guidelines for federal agencies to identify, manage, and verify comments submitted electronically. One of its main provisions requires agencies to verify to the extent possible whether a comment is submitted by a human being or generated by a computer, marking a significant step towards increasing the scrutiny of submissions that play a role in shaping regulations.
The sentiment surrounding HB 7528 appears to be cautiously optimistic among regulatory reform advocates. Supporters argue that such measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the comment process, as the proliferation of mass or computer-generated comments can dilute the voices of individual stakeholders. However, there is also caution noted regarding potential implications for public participation, with concerns that overly stringent verification measures might discourage legitimate input from concerned citizens and advocacy groups.
Notable points of contention arise from the balance between streamlining the comment process and preserving genuine public participation. Critics may argue that the focus on mass comments could inadvertently minimize the voices of those using coordinated responses to advocate for important issues. Additionally, the bill's effect on the overall transparency and accessibility of the regulatory process is a concern, as stricter regulations might alienate certain groups who are typically engaged through mass comment campaigns. The ongoing discourse emphasizes the need to find a middle ground that ensures the efficacy of the regulatory process while still honoring citizen engagement.