The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025 seeks to strengthen legislative oversight of administrative rules by enhancing the responsibilities of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). The bill requires 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. It mandates independent economic analyses to aid the Legislature in reviewing proposed rules, establishes specific reporting timelines, and requires state agencies to fully cooperate with LOFT. Additionally, the bill amends the Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and procedures, including the introduction of new terms and the requirement for agencies to consult with certain entities before adopting rules.

The legislation also modifies the emergency rulemaking process, stipulating that emergency rules must be approved by the Governor based on substantial evidence of necessity. It introduces a requirement for a rule impact statement detailing the need for the rule and its potential economic and public health impacts. The bill establishes a comment period of at least thirty days for public input on proposed rules and mandates detailed rule impact statements that analyze economic effects, particularly on small businesses and local governments. Furthermore, it alters the legislative review process for proposed permanent rules, setting a submission deadline of February 1 and requiring major rules to be addressed in separate joint resolutions. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with 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