Pennsylvania has over 150,000 regulatory restrictions, imposing huge costs on small businesses that continue to be crushed by the expense of these often unnecessary hurdles. The legislature can and should take back their power. Fortunately, a number of reforms are already introduced and moving through the legislative process:
· REINS Act, HB487/SB188: Reinstates legislative power over regulations that would cost more than $1 million to the Commonwealth, political subdivisions and private businesses.
· Automatic Three-Year Review of Economically Significant Regulations, SB190: Establishes a one-time automatic review of regulations using the same standard for fiscal impact as SB188, regulations exceeding $1 million annually.
· Permit Transparency, SB350: Requires state agencies to review their permit decisions and decision delays during the immediately preceding calendar year and submit a report of finding to the General Assembly. Establishes, maintains, and makes available a secure tracking system for applicants to track the status of applications on the state agency’s website.
· Independent Office of the Repealer, SB428: Establishes office within the Independent Regulatory Review Commission that undertakes ongoing review of regulations for agency recommendation of repeal or revision. Creates one-in two-out model for new regulations.
· Fighting Chance Act, SB259: Creates a pilot program for red tape reduction, aiming to reduce regulations in the BPP and BPOA by 25%. Would allow every state agency to count and catalog all regulations and requirements under its authority.
An improved regulatory culture will unleash Pennsylvania’s promise, boosting local economies, job opportunities and maximize prosperity for everyone. Creating value for customers and society, not navigating complex and outdated regulatory webs should be the focus of our businesses.
Please make Pennsylvania more competitive and prosperous by prioritizing regulatory reform in this first quarter of the session!