A package of bills designed to reform the Commonwealth’s overly burdensome regulatory environment received a positive vote by the Senate Intergovernmental Affairs Committee.  Regulatory reform is a key component of the PA Chamber’s Bringing PA Back initiative, which promotes policies that will help drive the state’s economic recovery.

In party-line votes the committee approved: S.B. 28 to allow for the creation of permit tracking systems and third-party reviews of permits with review timeframes that have exceeded established timelines; S.B. 32 to allow for regulatory repeal and enhanced legislative review of major regulations; S.B. 126 to allow for  regulatory review three years following the final promulgation of economically significant regulations; S.B. 426 and S.B. 520 which both provide for enhanced legislative oversight during the regulatory process; and S.B. 533 which would limit new regulations during emergencies.

The PA Chamber supported these bills to bring much needed transparency to the state’s regulatory review and permitting process.  In a memo to the committee, the PA Chamber emphasized how regulatory reform is a critical component in jumpstarting the state’s economy.

“The coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the need for a capable, effective and efficient government that serves the public and regulated community, who have made significant adjustments and adaptations over the past year. State government should also take this opportunity to reset and focus on accountability, efficiency and effective oversight,” the memo states.  The bills now await further consideration by the full Senate.