The REINS Act of 2025 aims to enhance oversight of administrative rules by modifying the responsibilities of the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT). Key provisions require 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 mandated to provide independent economic analyses to assist the Legislature in reviewing proposed rules and must submit reports within 21 days of receiving these proposals. The bill also establishes requirements for state agencies to cooperate with LOFT and outlines the content and publication of an annual report summarizing LOFT's evaluations.

Additionally, the bill amends the Administrative Procedures Act to update definitions and procedures related to emergency rulemaking, including the redefinition of terms such as "Rule" and "Small business." It specifies that emergency rules require the Governor's approval based on substantial evidence of necessity and mandates a rule impact statement detailing economic implications within 45 days of a waiver by the Governor. The bill establishes a timeline for the Governor's review of proposed emergency rules and allows for waivers during declared emergencies. It also modifies the legislative review process for proposed permanent rules, changing submission deadlines and clarifying the handling of major rules. The act 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