S.1556 - Zero Based Regulations Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Zero Based Regulations Act (S.1556) mandates a systematic review of existing agency regulations. It requires agencies to repeal regulations before review and then reinstate them through new rulemaking, including retrospective analysis and public hearings. The Act also places restrictions on new rulemaking, emphasizing regulatory burden reduction and cost-benefit analysis.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to a significant reduction in the number and scope of federal regulations, at least temporarily. Agencies will need to dedicate substantial resources to reviewing and potentially reinstating regulations. The Act could also slow down the implementation of new policies.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in unnecessary or burdensome regulations.
- Increased transparency and public input in the rulemaking process.
- Greater scrutiny of the costs and benefits of regulations.
- A focus on less restrictive alternatives to achieve regulatory goals.
- Potential for innovation as agencies seek to achieve regulatory goals with less restrictive rules.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Significant administrative burden and costs associated with the review and reinstatement process.
- Potential for regulatory uncertainty and disruption as existing rules are repealed and re-evaluated.
- Risk that important regulations could be weakened or eliminated.
- Possible delays in addressing emerging issues due to restrictions on new rulemaking.
- The act could be used to target regulations based on political considerations rather than objective analysis.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's focus on regulatory review and transparency aligns with principles of good governance. Congress has the power to delegate rulemaking authority to agencies, but also the power to oversee and regulate that authority (Article I, Section 8). The requirement for public hearings and cost-benefit analysis could be seen as promoting due process and accountability.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).