HARRISBURG – Chaired by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee took action on a measure today that would increase legislative oversight and transparency of the regulatory review process.
Senate Bill 398, proposed by Senator John Gordner (R-27), would give the general assembly a greater role in regulatory oversight. It now advances to the Senate floor for consideration.
“I am constantly hearing concerns from constituents and businesses about the regulatory review process, and the bureaucratic red tape that is impeding economic development,” said Mastriano. “Our taxpaying citizens deserve more.”
“The regulatory review process is complex and confusing and often times cumbersome – our Commonwealth currently has 153,000 regulatory restrictions, impacting every industry,” added Mastriano. “This is an opportunity to provide the openness and transparency that our constituents deserve. To me, it is all about accountability.”
Overall, the legislation is aimed at giving lawmakers timely input into proposed regulations, and would implement mechanisms for committee members to advocate for hearings to vet new guidelines.
“I introduced this bill to help provide transparency in the regulatory review process and to ensure that all legislators, including ‘rank and file’ ones, had ample opportunity to provide input during the proposed, and final, regulation stages,” said Senator Gordner, who also serves as a member of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee.
Mastriano noted that it was the first time in more than two years that the committee conducted a voting session. He was named chair of the committee in June, after taking the oath of office.
CONTACT: Scot Pitzer (717) 787-4651, spitzer@pasen.gov