Virginia House Bill HB992

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Administrative Process Act; regulatory economic analysis required.

Impact

The proposed changes to the Administrative Process Act would most significantly impact how regulations are developed and implemented by state agencies. The requirement for regulatory economic analysis aims to ensure that agencies consider the economic implications of their regulations, particularly on local governments, families, and small businesses. The intent is to facilitate better decision-making by providing a clearer understanding of the potential effects of regulatory actions before they are enacted.

Summary

House Bill 992 seeks to amend the Administrative Process Act by requiring a regulatory economic analysis when agencies issue regulations or guidance documents. This analysis is designed to identify problems that the agency aims to address, assess alternative approaches, and evaluate the costs and benefits of each alternative. By implementing this requirement, the bill intends to enhance transparency and accountability in the state regulatory process.

Contention

While the bill promotes a more rigorous examination of regulatory actions, there may be concerns regarding the added burden on state agencies, which could lead to delays in the implementation of necessary regulations. Opponents of the bill might argue that the requirement for economic analysis could lead to an overemphasis on cost considerations at the expense of public health and safety or environmental protections. Thus, the balance between effective regulation and economic efficiency could become a point of contention among lawmakers and stakeholders.