Regulatory Accountability Act

House Votes

This bill changes how federal agencies write new rules. Agencies must clearly explain the problem they’re trying to solve, the law that lets them act, and real alternatives. For major rules, they must study likely costs and benefits and consider different ways to meet the goal, not just one-size-fits-all mandates. Before proposing a major rule, agencies have to post an early notice, invite ideas from the public, and wait at least 90 days before the official proposal. They must also share the studies and data they rely on and use the best publicly available information . The public gets more time to weigh in: at least 60 days for most rules, at least 90 days for major rules, plus an extra 30-day “reply” period on major rules. Agencies and their grantees cannot lobby the public for or against their own proposal during the process, and any private meetings with stakeholders must be disclosed.

After major rules take effect, agencies must track results and do a look-back review within a set time (no more than 10 years) to see if the rule works as expected, if it should be changed, or if a better option exists. A White House office, the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), oversees this work and posts results online; some rules (like routine ones or those already subject to similar reviews) are exempt . In court, judges—not agencies—will decide legal questions themselves, giving weight to an agency’s view only when its reasoning is strong and consistent; certain OIRA actions can’t be challenged in court. These changes apply to new rulemakings after the law takes effect, and the bill also updates cross-references in many other laws to match the new process .

• Who is affected: Federal agencies; people, businesses, and local governments that follow federal rules; judges who review rules; and anyone who wants to comment on rules.
• What changes: Earlier public notice for major rules; longer comment windows; agencies must share their data and use the best information; limits on agency advocacy during rulemaking; regular “look-back” reviews of major rules with public results; courts decide legal questions independently.
• When: Applies after enactment and does not cover rules already pending or finished.