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Committee backs bill requiring legislative review of regulations with major economic impact
Summary
House Bill 6, sponsored by Rep. Wade Williams, would require administrative regulations with a two‑year economic impact of $500,000 or more to undergo legislative review; the committee passed the bill after debate over executive‑branch authority and the threshold.
The Committee on Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations approved House Bill 6, a measure that would require administrative regulations deemed to have a “major economic impact” — defined in the bill as $500,000 or more over a two‑year period — to be routed through the General Assembly instead of being promulgated solely by executive branch agencies.
Representative Wade Williams (R‑4) presented the bill, arguing the threshold is already defined in statute and that major policy decisions imposing significant economic burdens on citizens should come through the legislature. “Regulatory overreach can slow job creation, hamper investment, and stifle economic growth,” Williams said.
Representative Ault said she intended to vote no and asked Williams whether he had received a letter from the Energy and Environment Cabinet that expressed concerns about the bill. Williams said he had received the letter and that the bill includes a carve‑out for emergencies affecting public health and safety. He also said he would work with the cabinet to address concerns.
Representative Donworth also explained his decision to vote no, saying he trusted subject matter experts in executive agencies and was concerned that the $500,000 cap would constrain agencies’ ability to act. Representative Kulkarni said he would “pass” on the committee vote pending further conversations with the cabinet.
Supporters including Representative Meredith said the bill addresses a recurring communications problem between legislators and agencies, and would prompt agencies to provide faster answers to legislative inquiries.
After debate the committee voted to advance House Bill 6 to the House floor. Chairman Cook announced the measure had passed in committee.
Copies of a letter from the Energy and Environment Cabinet were discussed during the hearing but the cabinet’s representative did not speak at the committee; Representative Williams said he would work with the cabinet if the bill moved forward.
