In Ohio, the dynamic of lawmaking may soon find its equilibrium tilted, as House Bill 11, a move to place a tighter legislative leash on the rulemaking powers of administrative agencies, was recently introduced by State Reps. Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville) and Brian Lorenz (R-Powell). The proposed bill, deriving its spirit from the federal-level Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, would necessitate that any new regulation with significant financial implications would require legislative review before coming into force, as reported by Ohio House of Representatives News.
The legislation targets proposals from state agencies that either project an increase in the agency's expenses by $100,000 or more or present a compliance cost exceeding the same amount for affected stakeholders. Ferguson voiced the concerns underpinning the bill, stating via Ohio House of Representatives News, "Ohioans are tired of unelected regulators making the rules, and we intend to shine a light on that process.” Furthermore, Lorenz emphasized the bill's alignment with foundational ideals, claiming, “The REINS Act is a pivotal piece of legislation to check state overreach and ensure Ohioans have the tools available, should they need to defend their rights."
Supporters of the bill argue that the fiscal trigger established by House Bill 11 will serve as a check on bureaucratic overreach, echoing a sentiment for increased accountability and transparency in how regulations are made and implemented across the state. Such measures, proponents believe, strike a chord with the vision of separated powers as originally conceived by the framers of the American political system.
