Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act of 2025
Summary
The Unfunded Mandates Accountability and Transparency Act of 2025 aims to amend the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995. The goal is to enhance regulatory impact analyses for certain rules and increase stakeholder consultation. It also seeks to maximize net benefits in rulemaking and expand the responsibilities of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).
Expected Effects
The act will likely lead to more detailed and transparent regulatory processes. It requires agencies to conduct thorough analyses of the costs and benefits of major rules. It also broadens consultation with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced transparency in the rulemaking process through required regulatory impact analyses.
- Increased consultation with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector, leading to more informed regulations.
- Requirement for agencies to select regulatory alternatives that maximize net benefits, potentially leading to more efficient and effective regulations.
- Expanded oversight and guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to ensure agency compliance.
- Greater accountability through judicial review of agency compliance with regulatory impact analysis requirements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased regulatory burden on agencies due to the requirement for more detailed analyses and consultations.
- Potential delays in the rulemaking process due to the expanded analysis and consultation requirements.
- Possible increase in litigation as a result of the provision for judicial review.
- The exemption for monetary policy may limit the scope of the act's impact.
- The definition of 'cost' may not fully capture all potential indirect costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution by promoting transparency and accountability in the regulatory process. It does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or provisions. The emphasis on consultation with various levels of government respects the principles of federalism.
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).