Modernizing Retrospective Regulatory Review ActThis bill requires the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to issue guidance for using technology to retrospectively review existing federal regulations and, in consultation with relevant agencies, report on the progress of the federal government in making agency regulations available in a machine-readable format.Specifically, the OIRA report must (1) assess whether regulations of agencies have been made available to the public in a machine-readable format, and (2) provide information about the recognition by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) as an official legal edition of the Code of Federal Regulations. Currently, the content of the eCFR is authoritative but unofficial.Additionally, not later than 18 months after the enactment of this bill, the OIRA must issue guidance about how a federal agency can use technology to retrospectively review the agency's existing regulations. Each agency must plan and implement a strategy to comply with the OIRA's guidance for the retrospective review.
In addition to improving access to regulatory information, the bill requires the OMB to develop guidance on utilizing technology, including algorithmic tools and AI, for conducting retrospective reviews of existing regulations. Within 18 months post-enactment, agencies will be required to adopt this guidance to evaluate their regulations for obsolescence and redundancies, thereby ensuring that regulations remain effective and current. Each agency will need to submit a detailed plan to implement these changes within two years.
House Bill 67, titled the 'Modernizing Retrospective Regulatory Review Act,' aims to enhance the process of reviewing existing federal regulations. The bill mandates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submit a report assessing the availability of regulations in a machine-readable format within 180 days of its enactment. This effort is intended to improve transparency and accessibility of federal regulations, making it easier for stakeholders to understand and engage with these regulations effectively.
Overall, HB 67 represents a significant step towards modernizing federal regulatory practices, focusing on responsiveness and adaptability in governance. By mandating retrospective reviews supported by technological advancements, the bill seeks to alleviate the burdens of regulation while also ensuring that agencies remain accountable for the regulations they enforce. The success of this bill will depend on the effective implementation of its provisions and the cooperation of federal agencies in adopting new technologies.
The implications of HB 67 specifically address the need for regulatory efficiency and effectiveness. Supporters of the bill argue that utilizing modern technology will streamline the review process and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, which have sometimes resulted in outdated or conflicting regulations. However, there may be concerns regarding the reliance on technology in regulatory oversight, particularly about how these tools will be used and the potential for errors in automated reviews.
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