Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce: State Assembly passes significant regulatory reform

MADISON – On Wednesday, the State Assembly approved Senate Bill 15, referred to as the REINS Act, a significant WMC-backed regulatory reform to rein in unelected bureaucrats. This legislation passed the Senate last month and is now being sent to Gov. Scott Walker for approval before becoming law.

The REINS (Regulatory Executives in Need of Scrutiny) Act ensures the public has a say in the rulemaking process. This bill adds the ability to have an additional public hearing at the front end of the rulemaking process, increases legislative oversight power and requires legislative approval for any rule promulgated by a state agency that will have an economic impact of $10 million or more over a two year period. SB15 is authored by Rep. Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) and Sen. Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg).

After the bill passed the State Assembly today, WMC General Counsel & Director of Environmental and Energy Policy Lucas Vebber released the following statement:

“Wisconsin continues to lead the nation in government reform. This legislation is truly a game changer here in our state. SB 15 is a landmark regulatory reform that increases public involvement, provides greater oversight tools to elected legislators and keeps bureaucrats in check. We thank Rep. Neylon for his tremendous work over the past two sessions to advance this critical reform.”