SB444 requires that any regulation deemed "economically significant"—i.e., costing more than $1 million annually to the state, local governments, or private sector—must undergo a formal review three years after taking effect. The agency that issued the rule must report on its costs, effectiveness, and whether it’s still needed. That report goes to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC), which then opens a 30-day public-comment period before concluding whether the regulation should stay as is, be revised, or repealed.
The Pennsylvania State Senate passed SB444 on June 10, 2025 by a vote of 27 to 23. We have assigned pluses to the ayes because requiring periodic review of costly and unconstitutional regulations restores accountability and limits bureaucratic overreach. Too often, regulations remain on the books indefinitely, burdening citizens and businesses long after their purpose has expired. Administrative regulations violate the constitutional principle that laws should be made by elected representatives, not unaccountable agencies. The Founding Fathers repeatedly warned against unchecked regulatory power, with Jefferson noting that “the natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.” By mandating review, SB444 reins in this tendency, ensuring that the people’s representatives, not entrenched bureaucrats, remain the ultimate guardians of liberty.
