DiSanto Bill Imposing Legislative Accountability over Costly Regulations Passes Senate Committee

Harrisburg—Legislation sponsored by State Senator John DiSanto (Dauphin/Perry) requiring the General Assembly to approve all major regulations was approved by the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee this week.

Senate Bill 520 ensures no regulation or revision to general permits with economic impacts, or costs to government or the private sector, exceeding $1 million could be imposed without legislative approval. This change would protect businesses, non-profits, and individuals from costly, burdensome regulations.

The existing regulatory review process only allows the General Assembly to pass a concurrent resolution disapproving a regulation. However, a governor must sign the disapproval resolution to bar an agency from enacting the regulation, a highly unlikely scenario, Senator DiSanto noted.

“The people expect their elected representatives, not unaccountable government agencies, to make laws” DiSanto said. “Lawmakers must ensure state regulators are adhering to legislative intent because overly restrictive rules have severe impacts on our residents—especially following the economic stress associated with COVID-19.”

With committee passage, Senate Bill 520 moves to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT: Chuck Erdman 717-787-6801 cerdman@pasen.gov

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