Bill > HB1601

This bill modifies the Regulatory Review Act to enhance legislative oversight of state regulations, particularly those with significant economic impact. It defines an "economically significant regulation" as one that may reasonably result in costs exceeding $1,000,000 annually to the Commonwealth, its political subdivisions, and the private sector. The bill introduces new procedures for reviewing such regulations, including requiring the Independent Fiscal Office to prepare cost estimates and mandating public hearings for economically significant regulations. For these significant regulations, the bill establishes a new process where the General Assembly must adopt a concurrent resolution approving the regulation, which must then be signed by the Governor. The legislation also provides mechanisms for regulations to be deemed withdrawn if they lack explicit statutory authority, expands the definition of "regulation" to include certain permit revisions, and clarifies review procedures for the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and legislative committees. These changes aim to increase transparency, provide more rigorous scrutiny of regulatory actions, and ensure that economically impactful regulations receive thorough legislative review before implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1601