The Pennsylvania GOP announced on X that the House Policy Committee held a hearing to address more than 164,000 state regulations. Lawmakers expressed support for reforms aimed at increasing transparency, reducing bureaucracy, and advancing the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act to enhance legislative oversight.
According to the Pennsylvania House GOP, the state ranks 14th in overall regulatory volume nationwide, as reported by the Mercatus Center. The House Policy Committee convened this hearing to examine how these regulations impact small businesses, job creation, and economic competitiveness within Pennsylvania. Stakeholders testified that streamlining state regulations could potentially boost the state’s economy and support job growth in struggling industries.
Data from the Mercatus Center confirms that Pennsylvania’s regulatory code contains over 164,000 individual restrictions, placing it among the most highly regulated states in the country. Business owners who participated in the hearing cited challenges in complying with overlapping, outdated, or unnecessary rules that increase costs and limit expansion. Lawmakers emphasized that a high regulatory volume hinders entrepreneurship and investment, particularly in manufacturing and energy sectors.
Committee Chairman Rowe and other GOP legislators used this opportunity to advocate for the REINS Act. This act would require major new regulations to receive legislative approval rather than being implemented solely by executive agencies. The Pennsylvania House GOP asserts that such measures would restore democratic oversight, improve transparency, and ensure accountability among unelected bureaucrats regarding regulatory decisions. Testimony at the hearing focused on increasing legislative checks and public input in the rulemaking process.
According to its official website, the Pennsylvania GOP is committed to advancing conservative principles by reducing government overreach and supporting Republican candidates for public office. The party advocates for free enterprise, regulatory reform, and limited government as means to promote economic prosperity and protect residents’ interests across Pennsylvania. The organization communicates its initiatives and policy priorities through online platforms and community events.
