January 11, 2017

The House passed the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 (H.R.5) on January 11. This bill was introduced by Rep. Goodlatte (R-VA-6) and it would reform how federal agencies create new regulations. H.R.5 would also increase the power of congress and the judiciary to intervene in agency rules.

The bill combines six previous reform bills designed to reevaluate the power of federal agencies, increase transparency, and limit costs.

The bill contains provisions that require agencies to prioritize lowest costing cost regulation development. H.R.5 increases the vetting period and process for these regulations. Agencies, under this bill, are directed to address the costs of regulations to small businesses and treat them more flexibly. It also requires  agencies to publish easily understood language about proposed and existing regulations and their costs online.

The Regulatory Accountability Act would also repeal the Chevron Doctrine and Auer Deference, under which courts rule in favor of agencies’ interpretation of their own regulations.

The bill is currently under review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Sources: House.gov, Congress.gov, Justice.gov