Bill > SB438

This bill establishes the State Agency Regulatory Compliance Officer Act, which requires state agencies to designate a regulatory compliance officer responsible for improving communication and collaboration with regulated entities. The bill aims to shift agency approaches from punitive to supportive, mandating that agencies work to make regulations clearer and easier to understand, with a primary goal of ensuring compliance rather than imposing penalties. Each agency must appoint a compliance officer empowered to develop policies that educate regulated entities about regulations, create communication channels for questions and concerns, and help resolve compliance issues proactively. The bill also introduces a mechanism where regulated entities can request official opinions about their regulatory duties, which can serve as a legal defense if the opinion is followed in good faith. Additionally, the compliance officer can establish guidelines for waiving fines if a violation is self-reported and steps are taken to remedy it. Agencies are required to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing their progress in implementing these requirements, including the number and types of regulated entities served. The act will take effect 60 days after passage, signaling a significant shift towards a more collaborative regulatory environment in Pennsylvania.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=438