The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 seeks to improve oversight of administrative rules by enhancing the responsibilities of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). The bill mandates LOFT to conduct rule impact analyses for major rules, defined as those with implementation and compliance costs exceeding $1 million within the first five years. LOFT is required to provide independent economic analyses to aid the Legislature in reviewing proposed rules and must submit these reports within 21 days of receiving the proposed rules. Additionally, state agencies are obligated to cooperate with LOFT by providing necessary data and documentation. The bill also amends the Administrative Procedures Act to clarify definitions and procedures related to emergency rulemaking, including the requirement for Governor approval based on substantial evidence of necessity for public health or safety.

Moreover, the bill establishes a mandatory comment period of at least thirty days for stakeholders to provide input on proposed rules and requires agencies to consider the impacts of their actions on various business and consumer groups. It introduces a detailed rule impact statement that analyzes the economic effects of proposed rules, including costs and benefits to businesses and local governments. The legislative review process for proposed permanent rules is modified, changing the submission deadline from April 1 to February 1, and stipulating that major rules must be addressed in separate joint resolutions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Amended And Engrossed: 75-250.3, 75-253, 75-308
Enrolled (final version): 75-250.3, 75-253, 75-308