Accountability in Rulemaking Act

Accountability in Rulemaking Act

This bill requires each federal agency to submit to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), by December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30 of each year, a unified regulatory agenda listing each regulation under development or review by such agency. The agenda shall include a brief summary of, and the legal authority for, such regulation and a statement of whether the OIRA has declared the regulation to be a significant regulatory action.

A "significant regulatory action" is defined as any regulatory action that is likely to result in a regulation that may:

• have an annual effect on the economy of $167 million or more;
• adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities;
• create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere with an action of another agency;
• materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of recipients; or
• raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates.

The OIRA shall: (1) make each such agenda available on a public website, and (2) review each significant regulatory action listed within 90 days of its submission to ensure such action is consistent with applicable law. The bill sets forth limitations on third-party communication during the review process.

The OIRA shall: (1) document any change made by it to a significant regulatory action during the review process and make such change available on a public website; and (2) for each such action the OIRA returns to an agency for further consideration, it shall provide a written explanation of why further consideration is necessary.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov