RegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
Promoting transparency, accountability, and common sense in the regulatory process Sponsored by Senators Rob Portman and Heidi Heitkamp KeyDifferencesBetweentheSenateRAAandH.R.5
1. CompositionofBill
TheSenateRAAisastandalonebillthatcodifieslongstanding,bipartisanexecutiveordersthathave
governedtheregulatoryprocessfordecades.Itistheresultofsignificantbipartisannegotiations
thathavefocusedonensuringthattheregulatoryprocessproducessmartrulesthatreduce
burdensonbusinesseswhileprotectingpublichealth,safety,theenvironment.
TheHouseversionoftheRAA,H.R.5,incorporatessixseparatebillsandoneHouseResolution.
2. SelectionofFinalRule
TheSenateRAArequiresagenciestoconsiderreasonablealternativestothemostexpensiverules,
withtheconsiderationofthreesuchalternativespresumedtobeareasonablenumber.Itthen
requiresagenciesselectthe“mostcost‐effectiverule,”unlesstheagencyprovidesadetailed
explanationofwhyitchosealesscost‐effectiverule.
H.R.5requiresagenciestoconsiderallreasonablealternativestoaruleandtochoosethe“least
costly”alternative,unlesstheagencycanexplainhowtheadditionalbenefitsofamoreexpensive
rulejustifytheadditionalcosts,andthosebenefitsmustfallwithinthescopeofthestatutory
authorizationfortherule.
3. JudicialReview
TheSenateRAAallowscourtstoreviewagencies’compliancewithrulewritingprocedural
requirements.Italsoallowscourtstoremandrulestoagencieswhereappropriate.Itrequires
courtstoreviewfactualdeterminationsunderlyinghigh‐impactrules($1b+annually)usingthe
substantialevidencestandard.ItreplacesAuerdeferencewithSkidmoredeference,butitdoesnot
affectChevrondeference.
H.R.5alsoallowscourtstoreviewagencies’compliancewithrulewritingproceduralrequirements,
butdoesnotincludeaprovisionexplicitlyallowingcourtstoremandrulestoagencies.Itrequires
courtstodecidealltermsofanagencyactionandallrelevantquestionsoflawdenovo,including
agencies’interpretationsofconstitutionalandstatutoryprovisions,overridingChevron.
4. SavingsClause
TheSenateRAApreservesspecificauthorizinglawsthatincluderulemakingrequirementsor
proceduresthatconflictwiththeRAA’sprovisions.
TheHouseRAAoverridesthosespecificauthorizinglawswithregardtorulemakingrequirements
thatconflictwiththeRAA’sprovisions.
SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
CompositionofBill
 H.R.5iscomprisedofsixseparatebillsandoneHouseResolution.2
- TitleI:H.R.45,RegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
- TitleII:H.R.76,SeparationofPowersRestorationAct
- TitleIII:H.R.33,SmallBusinessRegulatoryFlexibilityImprovements
Act
- TitleIV:H.R.74,RequireEvaluationbeforeImplementingExecutive
Wishlists(REVIEW)Act
- TitleV:H.R.75,AllEconomicRegulationsareTransparent(ALERT)
- TitleVI:H.R.77,ProvidingAccountabilitythroughTransparencyAct
- H.Res.33,ProvidingforconsiderationofH.R.5,toclarifythenatureof
judicialreviewofagencyinterpretations,toensurecompleteanalysis
ofpotentialimpactsonsmallentitiesofrules,andforotherpurposes,
andprovidingforconsiderationoftheprocedurally‐relatedH.R.79,
HelpingAngelsLeadOurStartups(HALOS)Acttoclarifythedefinition
ofgeneralsolicitationunderFederalsecuritieslaw
Definitions[Sec.102]
 Guidance:Substantiallythesame.
 Majorguidance:GuidanceOIRAdetermineswillhaveanannualcoston
theeconomyof$100millionormoreadjustedannuallyforinflation;will
haveamajorincreaseincostsorpricesforconsumers,industries,
governmentsorgeographicregions;willhavesignificantadverseeffects
oncompetition,employment,investment,productivity,innovation,orthe
country’sabilitytocompeteinternationally;orwillhavesignificant
impactsonmultiplesectorsoftheeconomy.
 Majorrule:AruleOIRAdetermineswillhaveanannualcostonthe
economyof$100millionormoreadjustedannuallyforinflation;willhave
amajorincreaseincostsorpricesforconsumers,industries,governments
orgeographicregions;willhavesignificantadverseeffectsoncompetition,
employment,investment,productivity,innovation,orthecountry’sability
CompositionofBill1
 TheSenateRAAisastand‐alonebill.
Definitions[Sec.2]
 Guidance:Anagencystatementofgeneralapplicabilityotherthanarule
thatisnotintendedtohavetheforceandeffectoflawandsetsfortha
policyonastatutory,regulatory,ortechnicalissueorinterpretsa
statutoryorregulatoryissue.
 Majorguidance:GuidanceOIRAdetermineswillhaveanannualeffecton
theeconomyof$100millionormoreadjustedeveryfiveyearsfor
inflation;willhaveamajorincreaseincostsorpricesforconsumers,
industries,governmentsorgeographicregions;orwillhavesignificant
adverseeffectsoncompetition,employment,investment,productivity,
innovation,publichealthandsafety,orthecountry’sabilitytocompete
internationally.
 High‐impactrule:AruleOIRAdeterminesislikelytohaveanannualeffect
ontheeconomyof$1billionormoreadjustedeveryfiveyearsfor
1ThiscomparisonoftheSenateandHouseversionoftheRAAgenerallytrackstheorderoftheSenatebill.Ifanentiresectionissubstantiallydifferentbetween
versions,thatsectionheadingisunderlined.Otherwise,differencesinsectionsareunderlinedwithinthedescriptions.
2ThiscomparisonislimitedtotheSenatebillinitsentiretyandthefirsttwotitlesofH.R.5.
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tocompeteinternationally;orwillhavesignificantimpactsonmultiple
sectorsoftheeconomy.

 Highimpactrule:AruleOIRAdeterminesislikelytohaveanannualcost
ontheeconomyof$1billionormoreadjustedannually.
 Negativeimpactonjobsandwagesrule:AruleOIRAdeterminesislikely
toreduceemploymentinaZIPcodeby1percentormoreannually;
reducesaverageweeklywagesinaZIPcodeby1percentormore
annually;reduceemploymentinanyindustryinwhichthemostrecent
unemploymentrateisgreaterthan5percent;orfurtherreduce
unemploymentinanyindustryareainwhichBureauofLaborStatistics
projectsemploymentwilldecreaseby1percentormore.
RulemakingConsiderations[Sec.3]
RulemakingConsiderations[Sec.103]
Inrulemaking,anagencyshallconsiderinadditiontootherapplicable
Inrulemaking,anagencyshallmakeallpreliminaryandfinalfactual
considerations:
determinationsbasedonevidenceandconsider,inadditiontoother
applicableconsiderations:
 Thelegalauthorityunderwhichtherulemaybeproposed
 Natureandsignificanceoftheproblem
 Thelegalauthorityunderwhicharulemaybeproposed
 Whetherexistinglawsorruleshavecreatedorcontributedtotheproblem,  Otherstatutoryconsiderationsapplicabletowhethertheagencycanor
and,ifso,whethertheymaybeamendedorrescindedtoaddressthe
shouldproposearuleorundertakeotheragencyaction
problem
 Natureandsignificanceoftheproblem,includingthedegreeandnatureof
 Areasonablenumberofalternativesforanewrulethatmeetthestatutory
theriskstheproblemposesandpriorityofaddressingthoserisks
objective,includingsubstantialalternativesorotherresponsesidentified
comparedtoothermatterswithintheagency’sjurisdiction,whetherthe
byinterestedpersons,withtheconsiderationof3alternativespresumed
problemwarrantsnewagencyaction,andthecountervailingrisksthat
tobereasonable
maybeposedbyalternativesfornewagencyaction
 Foranymajororhigh‐impactrule,thepotentialcostsandbenefits
 Whetherexistinglawsorruleshavecreatedorcontributedtotheproblem
associatedwiththosealternativesandresponses,includingquantitative
andwhetherthoserulescouldbeamendedorrescindedtoaddressthe
andqualitativeanalysisof:
problem
- Thedirectcostsandbenefits
 Anyreasonablealternativesforanewruleorotherresponseidentifiedby
- Thenatureanddegreeofrisksaddressedbytheruleand
theagencyorinterestedpersons,includingresponsesthatmandate
countervailingrisksthatmightbeposedbyagencyaction;and
particularconduct,specificperformanceobjectives,economicincentives,
- Totheextentpracticable,thecumulativeandindirectcostsand
orincorporateotherinnovativealternatives;andthealternativeofno
benefits
federalresponse,amendingorrescindingexistingrules,potentialstateor
[Note:Textlaterincludesasavingsclausethatprovidesthatifanauthorizing
localactionthatcouldbetakeninlieuofagencyaction.
lawrequiresanagencytouseconsiderationsoraprocessthatconflictswiththe  Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionoflaw,agenciesmustconsiderthe
potentialcostsandbenefitsassociatedwithpotentialalternativerulesand
inflation.
Majorrule:AruleOIRAdetermineswillhaveanannualeffectonthe
economyof$100millionormoreadjustedeveryfiveyearsforinflation;
willhaveamajorincreaseincostsorpricesforconsumers,industries,
governmentsorgeographicregions;orwillhavesignificantadverse
effectsoncompetition,employment,investment,productivity,innovation,
publichealthandsafety,orthecountry’sabilitytocompete
internationally.
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otherresponses,includingdirect,indirect,andcumulativecostsand
benefitsandestimatedimpactonjobs,wages,economicgrowth,
innovation,andeconomiccompetitiveness;meanstoincreasethecost‐
effectivenessofanyfederalresponse;andincentivesforinnovation,
consistency,predictability,lowercostsofenforcementandcompliance,
andflexibility
NoticeofProposedRulemaking[Sec.3]
NoticeofProposedRulemaking[Sec.103]
Forallrules,ifanagencydeterminesthattheagency’sobjectivesrequirethe
Forallrules,beforeanagencydeterminestoproposearuleandfollowingthe
agencytoissuearule,theagencymustnotifytheOIRAAdministratorand
advancenoticeofproposedrulemakingforhigh‐impactandmajorrules,the
agencyshallconsultwiththeOIRAAdministrator.Iftheagencydeterminesto
publishanoticeofproposedrulemaking(NPRM)intheFederalRegisterthat
publisharule,theagencyshallpublishanoticeofproposedrulemakingthat
includes:
includes:
 Astatementofthetime,place,andnatureofrulemakingproceedings
 Referencetothelegalauthorityfortherule
 Astatementofthetime,place,andnatureofrulemakingproceedings
 Thetextoftheproposedrule
 Referencetothelegalauthorityfortherule
 Summaryofrulemakingconsiderations
 Termsoftheproposedrule
 Adescriptionofinformationknowntotheagencyonthesubjectand
issuesoftheproposedrule,includinginformationabout:
Formajorandhigh‐impactrules:
- Therulemakingconsiderations
 Areasonedpreliminaryexplanationregardinghowtheproposedrule
- Summaryofadditionalinformationtheagencyprovidedtoand
meetsstatutoryobjectives
obtainedfrominterestedpersons
 Howtheproposal’sbenefitsjustifythecosts
Summaryofanypreliminaryriskassessmentorregulatoryimpact
 Adiscussionofthepotentialalternatives’costsandbenefits;whetherthe
analysisperformedbytheagency
alternativesmeetthestatutoryobjectives;andthereasonswhytheagency
- Anadditionalstatementofwhetheraruleisrequiredbystatute
didnotproposethealternativesitconsidered
- Anachievableobjectivefortheruleandmetricsformeasurement
- Informationidentifyingalldata,studies,models,andother
evidenceorinformationconsideredorusedbytheagencyin
connectionwithitsdeterminationofneedfortherule
- Areasonedpreliminarydeterminationthatthebenefitsofthe
proposedrulemeettherelevantstatutoryobjectivesandjustify
thecostsoftheproposedrule
- Adiscussionofthealternativestotheproposedruleandother
alternativeresponses,thecostsandbenefitsofthosealternatives;
whetherthosealternativesmeetthestatutoryobjectives;andthe
reasonswhytheagencydidnotproposethosealternatives
 Astatementofwhetherexistingruleshavecreatedorcontributedtothe
RAA,theagencyshouldfollowthespecificfederallawratherthanthegeneral.]
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problemtheagencyseekstoaddress,andifso,whethertheagency
proposestoamendorrescindanysuchrules,andwhy
NPRMAccessibility[Sec.103]
 Theagencymustpublishallinformationprovidedtoorconsideredbythe
agency,andstepstoobtainthatinformation,inconnectionwithits
determinationtoproposearule,includinganypreliminaryrisk
assessmentorregulatoryimpactanalysispreparedbytheagency,andat
thePresidentorOIRAAdministrator’sdiscretion,allinformationprovided
byOIRAinconsultationswiththeagency.
NocomparableprovisionforNPRMs
NPRMAccessibility[Sec.3]
 Theagencymustpublishonthedocketallstudies,models,scientific
literature,andotherinformationdevelopedorrelieduponbytheagency,
andactionstakenbytheagencytoobtainthatinformation,inconnection
withtheagency’sdeterminationtoproposetherule.
 ExemptsinformationthatisexemptfromdisclosureunderFOIA.
InformationQuality[Sec.3]
 Ifaproposedrulerestsonscientific,technical,oreconomicinformation,
theagencymustproposetheruleonthebasisofthebestreasonably
availablescientific,technical,oreconomicinformation.
PublicComment[Sec.3]
 AfterpublishinganNPRM,theagencyshallprovideinterestedpersonsan
opportunitytoparticipateinrulemakingthroughthesubmissionof
writtenmaterial,data,views,orarguments,withorwithoutthe
opportunityfororalpresentation(excepttheremustbeopportunityfor
oralpresentationinanagencyfactualhearingonahigh‐impactormajor
ruleassetoutbelow).
 Formajorandhigh‐impactrules,thepubliccommentperiodmustbeat
least90days;forotherrules,atleast60days.
 Ifaruleisrequiredbystatutetobemadeontherecordafteropportunity
foranagencyhearing(exceptforthefactualhearingsonhigh‐impactand
majorrulessetoutbelow),theformalrulemakingproceduresof5USC
§§556and557willapply.
 Ifanagencydeterminesarulemakingislikelytobeamajororhigh‐impact
ruleafterissuinganoticeofproposedrulemaking,theagencymust
publishanoticeintheFederalRegisterregardingthechangein
classificationandallowinterestedpersonsatleastanadditional30daysto
commentontheruleandthechangeinclassification.
Nocomparableprovision
PublicComment[Sec.103]
 AfterpublishinganNPRM,theagencyshallprovideinterestedpersonsan
opportunitytoparticipateinrulemakingthroughsubmissionofwritten
data,views,orarguments,withorwithouttheopportunityfororal
presentation(excepttheremustbeopportunityfororalpresentationinan
agencyfactualhearingonahigh‐impactormajorruleassetoutbelow).
 Ifaruleisrequiredbystatutetobemadeontherecordafteropportunity
foranagencyhearing(exceptforthefactualhearingsonhigh‐impactand
majorrulessetoutbelow),orattheagency’sdiscretion,theformal
rulemakingproceduresof5USC§§556and557willapply.
 Formajororhigh‐impactrules,thepubliccommentperiodmustbeat
least120days;forotherrules,atleast60days.
InformationQualityActHearing[Sec.103]
 Within30daysofpublicationofanNPRM,amemberofthepublicmay
petitionforahearinginaccordancewithsection556todetermine
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whetheranyevidenceorotherinformationuponwhichtheagencybases
theproposedrulefailstocomplywiththeInformationQualityAct.
 Theagencymaydeterminewithoutfurtherprocesstoexcludethat
evidencefromtherulemaking,and,ifappropriate,withdrawtheproposed
rule.Theagencyshallpromptlypublishanysuchdetermination,and
thereisnojudicialreviewofthatdecision.
 Theagencymustgrantanypetitionthatpresentsaprimafaciecasethat
evidenceorotherinformationfailstocomplywiththeInformationQuality
Actandholdthehearingnotlaterthan30daysafterreceiptofthepetition.
Theagencymustprovidereasonableopportunityforcross‐examination
anddecidetheissuespresentednotlaterthan60daysafterreceiptofthe
petition.
 Prohibitsjudicialreviewoftheagency’sdispositionoftheissuesuntil
judicialreviewoftheagency’sfinalaction.
 FailuretopetitionforanInformationQualityActhearingdoesnot
precludejudicialreviewofanyclaimbasedontheInformationQualityAct.
LimitationonAgencyAdvocacy[Sec.3]
LimitationonAgencyAdvocacy[Sec.103]
 AfterpublishingaNoticeofInitiationofRulemakingoranNPRM,the
 AfterpublishinganNPRMorAdvanceNPRM,theagencyanditsofficials
agencyanditsofficialsmaynotcommunicate,andanypersonwho
maynotcommunicate,andanypersonwhoreceivesfederalfundsfrom
receivesfederalfundsfromtheagencymaynotusethosefundsto
theagencymaynotusethosefundstocommunicate,aboutaproposed
communicate,aboutaproposedruleinamannerthatdirectlyadvocates
ruleinamannerthatdirectlyadvocatesforthesubmissionofinformation
forthesubmissionofinformationtoformpartoftherecordofreviewfor
toformpartoftherecordofreviewfortheproposedrulethatsupportsor
theproposedrulethatsupportsoropposestherule;appealstothepublic
opposestherule;appealstothepublictoundertakeadvocacyinsupport
toundertakeadvocacyinsupportoforagainsttheproposedrule;oris
oforagainsttheproposedrule;orisdirectlyorindirectlyforpublicity
directlyorindirectlyforpublicitypropagandapurposes.
propagandapurposes.
 Theprohibitiondoesnotapplytocommunicationrequestingcommentsor  Theprohibitiondoesnotapplytocommunicationrequestingcommentsor
thatprovidesinformationinanimpartialmanner.
thatprovidesinformationinanimpartialmanner.
InitiationofRulemakingforMajorandHigh‐ImpactRules[Sec.3]
AdvanceNoticeofProposedRulemakingforMajor,High‐Impact,
Negative‐ImpactonJobsandWagesRules,andRulesInvolvingNovel
 Whenanagencydeterminestoinitiatearulemakingthatmayresultina
majororhigh‐impactrule,theagencyshall:
LegalorPolicyIssues[Sec.103]
- Establishanelectronicdocketforthatrulemaking
 Notlaterthan90daysbeforeanoticeofproposedrulemakingispublished
- PublishaninitiationofrulemakingintheFederalRegister
intheFederalRegister,anagencyshallpublishanadvancenoticeof
describingthesubjectandproblemtobesolvedbytherule,
proposedrulemaking,includingawrittenstatementidentifying:
referencingthelegalauthorityunderwhichtherulewouldbe
- Thenatureandsignificanceoftheproblem,includingdataand
proposedandinviteinterestedpersonstoproposealternatives
otherevidencetheagencyexpectstorelyon
andotherideasregardinghowbesttoaccomplishtheagency’s
- Thelegalauthorityunderwhichtherulemaybeproposed
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



H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
objectives
Allinformationprovidedtotheagencyshallbepublishedonthedocket.
Thealternativesandotherideasproposedinresponsetotheinitiationare
forthebenefitoftheagencyandthepublic.Theagencymayrespondto
thealternativesandotherideas.
Theagencymustestablishandpublishatimetablefortherulemakingthat
includesintermediateandfinalcompletiondatesforagencyaction,
considering:
- Thesizeandcomplexityoftherulemaking
- Theagency’sresources
- Thenationalsignificanceoftherulemaking
- Statutoryrequirementsgoverningthetimingoftherulemaking
Iftheagencyfailstomeetitsdeadlines,itmustsubmitareportto
CongressandOMBregardingwhytheagencyfailedtomeetthedeadline
andamendingthetimetable.Thereportalsomustbepublishedonthe
FederalRegister.
Preliminaryinformationavailabletotheagency
Forrulesinvolvinganovellegalorpolicyissue,thenatureofand
potentialreasonstoadoptthenovellegalorpolicyposition
- Anachievableobjectivefortheruleandmetricsbywhichthe
agencywillmeasureprogresstowardthatobjective
Theagencymustsolicitdata,views,orargumentsfrominterestedpersons
andprovideatleast60daysforcomment.
-

[Note:Theinitiationofrulemakingprocedureisintendedtogivestakeholders
opportunitytocommentonpotentialhigh‐impactandmajorrulesbeforethe
agencydeterminesthatitwillinfactproceedwitharulemaking.]
DeterminationNotToProposeRule[Sec.3]
 IfanagencyundertakestheInitiationofRulemakingproceduresfora
high‐impactormajorruleanddeterminesnottoproposearule,the
agencyshallconsultwithOIRAandpublishanoticeofdeterminationof
otheragencycourse.
DeterminationNotToProposeRule[Sec.103]
 IfanagencyundertakestheAdvanceNoticeofProposedRulemaking
proceduresforahigh‐impactormajorruleanddeterminesnottopropose
arule,theagencyshallconsultwithOIRAandpublishanoticeof
determinationofotheragencycourse.
 Theagencymustpublishallinformationprovidedtoorconsideredbythe
agencyandstepstoobtainthatinformation,includinganypreliminary
riskassessmentorregulatoryimpactanalysis,and,atthediscretionofthe
PresidentorOIRAAdministrator,informationprovidedbyOIRA,inits
determinationofotheragencycourse.
AgencyHearingsforHigh‐ImpactRules[Sec.103]
 AfterreceiptofcommentsandanyInformationQualityActhearing,but
beforeadoptionofahigh‐impactrule,theagencyshallholdahearingin
accordancewithsections556and557unlesssuchhearingiswaivedbyall
participantsintherulemakingotherthantheagency.
PetitionsforAgencyHearingsforHigh‐ImpactandCertainMajorRules
[Sec.3]
 BeforethecommentperiodclosesonanNPRMforahigh‐impactruleora
majorrulethatqualifiesassuchbecauseitwillhaveanannualeffectof
$100millionormore,aninterestedpersonmaypetitiontheagencyto
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holdapublichearing.
Forahigh‐impactrule,theagencyshallgrantthepetitionwithin30days
ofreceiptifthepetitionshowsthattheproposedruleis:
- Basedonconclusionswithrespecttooneormorespecificfactual
issuesthataregenuinelydisputed,and
- Theresolutionofthedisputedfactualissueswouldlikelyhavean
effectonthecostsandbenefitsoftheproposedruleorwhetherthe
proposedruleachievesthestatutorypurpose.
 Ifanagencydeniesthepetition,theagencymustincludeanexplanationin
therulemakingrecordsufficientforjudicialreview.
 Foramajorrule,theagencymaydenythepetitioniftheagency
reasonablydeterminesthatahearingwouldnotadvancethe
considerationoftheproposedrulebytheagencyorwouldunreasonably
delaycompletionoftherulemaking.
 Theagencymustpublishanoticeofthehearing,theproposedrule,and
thefactualissuestobeconsideredatleast45dayspriortothehearing.
 Forrulesthatmustbere‐issuedeverythreeyearsormorefrequently,
stakeholdersareprecludedfromraisingissuesforfiveyearsthatthey
couldhaveraisedpreviously[thuspreventingtheagencyfromhavingtore‐
litigatethesameissuesduringeveryrulemakingcycle].
HearingIssues[Sec.3]
 Thehearingshallbelimitedto:
- Issuesraisedinapetitiongrantedinwholeorinpart
- Anyotherfactualdeterminationstheresolutionofwhichthe
agencydetermineswilladvanceconsiderationoftheproposedrule


Theagencymustpublishanoticeofthehearingnolaterthan45days
beforethehearing,includingtherule,theissuestobeconsidered,andthe
timeandplaceofthehearing.
Theagencyshallprovideareasonableopportunityforcross‐examination.

RighttoPetitionforHearingonMajorRules[Sec.105]
 Uponreceiptofapetitionforahearingregardingamajorrule,anagency
shallgrantthepetitionunlesstheagencyreasonablydeterminesthata
hearingwouldnotadvanceconsiderationoftheruleorwould
unreasonablydelaycompletionoftherulemaking.
HearingIssues[Sec.103]
 Thehearingshallbelimitedtothefollowingissuesoffact(whichmaybe
waivedbythehearingparticipants):
- Whethertheagency’sassertedfactualpredicatefortheruleis
supportedbytheevidence
- Whetherthereisanalternativetotheproposedrulethatwould
achievetherelevantstatutoryobjectiveatalowercost
- Ifthereismorethanonealternativethatwouldachievethe
objectivesatalowercostthantheproposedrule,whichalternative
wouldachievetheobjectivesatthelowestcost
- Iftheagencyproposestoadoptarulemorecostlythantheleast
costlyalternative,whethertheadditionalbenefitsexceedthe
additionalcosts
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WhethertheevidencemeetstherequirementsoftheInformation
QualityAct
- Otherissuesrelevanttotherulemaking,uponpetitionbyan
interestedpersonwhoparticipatedintherulemaking,unlessthe
agencydeterminesthatconsiderationatthehearingwouldnot
advanceconsiderationoftheruleorwouldunreasonablydelay
completionoftherulemaking.Theagencymustgrantordeny
suchapetitionwithin30daysofreceipt.
HearingProcedures[Sec.103]
 Proceduresgovernedby§§556and557.
AmendmentstoAgencyHearingProcedures[Sec.105]
 Amends5U.S.C.§556,whichsetsouttheproceduresforhearings
requiredby5U.S.C.§§553or554.Itstrikesthecurrent5U.S.C.§556(e)
regardingtranscriptandtestimonyofthehearingsandprovides:
- Thetranscriptandexhibitsandallpapersfiledshallconstitutethe
exclusiverecordfordecisionandshallbemadeavailabletothe
partiesandthepublicbyelectronicmeans.
- Providesthatforahigh‐impactrulehearing,therecordofdecision
shallalsoincludeanyinformationthatispartoftherecordof
proceedingsunder5U.S.C§553.
 Uponreceiptofapetitionforahearingregardingamajorrule,anagency
shallgrantthepetitionunlesstheagencyreasonablydeterminesthata
hearingwouldnotadvanceconsiderationoftheruleorwould
unreasonablydelaycompletionoftherulemaking.
-
HearingProcedures[Sec.3]
 Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbystatute,aproponentoftherulehasthe
burdenofproof.
 Anydocumentaryororalevidencemaybereceived,buttheagencymay
excludeimmaterialorundulyrepetitiousevidence.
 Eachagencyshalladoptrulesthatprovidefor:
- Appointmentofagencyofficialoradministrativelawjudgeto
presideathearing
- Presentationofrelevantdocumentaryororalevidence,unlessitis
immaterialorundulyrepetitious
- Reasonableandadequateopportunityforcross‐examinationby
interestedpartiesconcerninggenuinelydisputedfactualissues
raisedbythepetition.Inthecaseofmultipleinterestedparties
withthesameorsimilarinterests,agencymayrequireuseof
commoncounselwherecommoncounselmayadequately
representintereststhatwillbesignificantlyaffectedbyproposed
rule
- Whenappropriateandtotheextentpracticable,ifthereare
multiplepetitions,theconsolidationofproceedings
 Transcriptoftestimonyandexhibitsandallpapersandrequestsfiledin
thehearingshallconstituteexclusiverecordfordecisionoffactualissues
inthehearing.
 Failuretopetitionforahearingshallnotprecludejudicialreviewofany
claimthatcouldhavebeenraisedinahearingpetitionoratahearing.
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
Nojudicialreviewofthedispositionofapetitionbyanagencyuntil
judicialreviewoftheagency’sfinalaction.
MostCostEffectiveHigh‐Impact/MajorRule[Sec.3]
LeastCostlyRule[Sec.103]
 Anagencyshalladoptthemostcost‐effectiveruleofthealternatives
 Anagencyshalladopttheleastcostlyruleconsideredduringthe
consideredandthatmeetstherelevantstatutoryobjectives.
rulemakingthatmeetstherelevantstatutoryobjectives.
 Anagencymayadoptarulethatismorecostlythanthemostcost‐effective  Anagencymayadoptamorecostlyruleonlyiftheadditionalbenefitsof
alternativeonlyiftheadditionalbenefitsjustifytheadditionalcosts;the
themorecostlyrulejustifyitsadditionalcostsandonlyiftheagency
agencyidentifieseachadditionalbenefitanditscost;andtheagency
explainsitsreasonsfordoingsobasedoninterestsofpublichealth,safety,
explainswhyitadoptedamorecostlyrule.
orwelfarethatareclearlywithinthescopeofthestatutoryprovision
authorizingtherule.
NoticeofFinalRulemaking[Sec.103]
NoticeofFinalRulemaking[Sec.3]
 Whenanagencyadoptsafinalrule,theagencyshallpublishanoticeof
 Whenanagencyadoptsafinalrule,theagencyshallpublishanoticeof
finalrulemaking,including:
finalrulemaking,including:
- Statementofthebasisandpurposeoftherule
- Statementofthebasisandpurposeoftherule
- Reasoneddeterminationofneedforaruletoaddresstheproblem,
- Reasoneddeterminationregardingtherulemakingconsiderations
includingwhetheraruleisrequiredbystatuteandsummaryof
- Forhigh‐impactandmajorrules,areasoneddeterminationthat
thebenefitsoftheruleadvancetherelevantstatutoryobjective
anyfinalriskassessmentorregulatoryimpactanalysisprepared
bytheagency
andjustifythecostsoftherule,andnoalternativewouldachieve
- Reasoneddeterminationthatthebenefitsoftherulemeetthe
theobjectivesinamorecost‐effectivemannerthantheruleorthat
theadoptionofamorecostlyrulecomplieswiththerequirements
statutoryobjectivesandjustifytherule’scosts
fortheagencytoexplainwhyitdidso
- Reasoneddeterminationnottoadoptanyofthealternativestothe
- Aresponsetoeachsignificantissueraisedinthecommentsonthe
proposedrule,includingthatnoalternativeconsideredwould
proposedrule
achievetheobjectiveswithlowercostsortheadoptionofamore
costlyrulejustifiestheadditionalcostsandtheagencyexplainsits
reasonswithinthescopeoftheauthorizingstatute
[NotethattheSenateRAAincludesaretrospectivereviewsectionsimilartothe
Reasoneddeterminationthatexistingruleshavenotcreatedor
requirementsintheHouseRAAtoreviewrulesregularly;foreaseofcomparison,
contributedtotheproblem,orthattheyhavecreatedor
theHouse’sprovisionsareincludedherebecausetheyfallunderthefinal
contributedtotheproblemandwhyamendmentorrescissionof
rulemakingprovisionsinthetext;adirectcomparisontotheSenate’s
theruleisnotsufficientandtheagency’sprocesstoamendor
retrospectivereviewprovisionsisbelow.]
rescindtheexistingrule
- Reasoneddeterminationthattheevidenceunderlyingtherule
complieswiththeInformationQualityAct
- Reasoneddeterminationthattherulemeetsagency’sobjectives
setoutintheNPRMorthatotherobjectivesaremoreappropriate
inlightofthefulladministrativerecordandtherulemeetsthose
objectives
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H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
Reasoneddeterminationthatthe agencydidnotdeviatefromthe
metricsintheNPRMorthatothermetricsaremoreappropriate
basedontheadministrativerecordandtheagencydidnotdeviate
fromthosemetrics
- Foranyhigh‐impact,major,ornegativeimpactonjobsandwages
rule,theagency’splantoreviewtheruleatleasteverytenyearsto
determinewhetherthereremainsaneedfortherule,whetherthe
ruleisachievingstatutoryobjectives,andwhethertherule’s
benefitscontinuetojustifyitscosts.Suchareviewshalltakeinto
accountthefactorsandcriteriaestablishedinthistitle.
- Formajorrules,areportonthecostsandbenefitsoftheruleon
entitiesregulatedbytherule,toberevisedeveryfiveyearswhile
ruleremainsineffect,including:
 Assessmentofrule’simpacts,includingcosts,onregulated
entities
 Determinationabouthowactualbenefitsandcostsofthe
rulehavevariedfromthoseanticipatedattimeofissuance
 Assessmentofeffectivenessandbenefitsofrulein
producingregulatoryobjectives
 OIRAreviewwhenrequiredunderexecutiveorder
- Fornegative‐impactonjobsandwagesrule,astatementthatthe
agencyheadthatmadetheruleapprovedtheruleknowingabout
thefindingsanddeterminationoftheagencyorOIRAthatqualified
theruleasanegativeimpactonjobsandwagesrule.
Nocomparableprovision
ConsultationwithOIRA[Sec.103]
 TheagencymustconsultwithOIRAtofacilitatecompliancewith
applicablerulemakingrequirementsbeforeadoptingafinalrule.
FinalRuleInformationQuality[Sec.3]
FinalRuleInformationQuality[Sec.103]
 Ifarulemakingrestsuponscientific,technical,oreconomicinformation,
 Theagencyshalladoptaruleonlyonthebasisofthebestreasonably
theagencyshalladoptaruleonthebestreasonablyavailableinformation.
obtainablescientific,technical,economic,andotherevidenceand
informationconcerningtheneedfor,consequencesof,andalternativesto
therule.
FinalRuleAccessibility[Sec.3]
FinalRuleAccessibility[Sec.103]
 Theagencymustpublishallstudies,models,scientificliterature,andother  Allinformationconsideredbyanagencyinconnectionwithitsadoptionof
informationdevelopedorrelieduponbytheagency,andactionstakenby
arule,andinformationprovidedbyOIRA(atOIRAorthePresident’s
-
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H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
theagencytoobtainthatinformation,inconnectionwiththeagency’s
determinationtofinalizetherulenolaterthanwhentheruleisadopted.
 ExemptsinformationexemptfromdisclosureunderFOIA.
RulesIssuedattheEndofanAdministration[Sec.3]
 Foranyfinalrulepublishedbutnoteffectivebythedateofinaugurationof
anewpresident,withinthe60daysfollowinginauguration,theagency
issuingtherulemaydelaytheeffectivedateoftherulefornotmorethan
90daysinordertoobtainpubliccommentonwhethertheruleshouldbe
amendedorrescindedortheeffectivedateshouldbefurtherdelayed.
 Insuchcase,theagencyshallgivethepublicnolessthan30daysto
submitcomments.
SavingsClause[Sec.3]
 Ifarulemakingisauthorizedunderafederallawthatrequiresanagency
toconsider,orprohibitsanagencyfromconsidering,afactorinamanner
thatisinconsistentwithorconflictswiththeserulemakingrequirements,
therequirementsoftheauthorizingstatuteshallapply.
 Ifarulemakingisauthorizedunderafederallawthatrequiresanagency
tofolloworuse,orprohibitsanagencyfromfollowingorusing,a
procedureinamannerthatisduplicativeof,orconflictswiththese
rulemakingprocedurestheauthorizingstatuteshallapply.
ExceptionforGuidanceandRulesofOrganization[Sec.3]
 Exceptasotherwiseprovidedbylaw,theproceduralrequirementsshall
notapplytoguidanceorrulesofagencyorganization,procedure,or
practice.
discretion),shallbeplacedonthedocketnolaterthanwhentheruleis
adopted.
11
Nocomparableprovision
Nocomparableprovision
ExceptionforInterpretativeRules,PolicyStatements,AgencyInternal
Rules[Sec.103]
 Exceptwhennoticeorhearingisrequiredbystatute,thefollowing
proceduresdonotapplytointerpretiverules,generalstatementsofpolicy,
orrulesofagencyorganization,procedure,orpractice:
- ANPRMrequirements
- NPRMrequirement
- High‐impactrulehearings
- FinalrulerequirementsincludingOIRAconsultation,requirement
thatarulebebasedonbestreasonablyobtainableinformation,
andleastcostlyrulerequirement
- Noticeoffinalrulemakingrequirementsincludingall
determinationstheagencyusuallyhastomake,althoughagency
stillhastoprovideaconcise,generalstatementofrule’sbasisand
purpose
SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
DirectFinalRules[Sec.3]
 IfanagencyfindsforgoodcausethatcompliancewithNPRM,initiationof
rulemakingforhigh‐impact/majorrules,hearingsforhigh‐impact/major
rules,ortherequirementtomakeareasoneddeterminationoffinal
rulemakingregardingrulemakingconsiderationsbeforeissuingafinal
ruleisunnecessary,impracticable,orcontrarytopublicinterest,the
agencymaypublishafinalrule.Theagencymust:
- Includethegoodcausefindingandabriefstatementwithreasons
forthefindinginthefinalrule
- Publishthetextoftheruleandnoticeofopportunityforpublic
commentintheFederalRegister
- Establishacommentperiodofatleast30days
- Providenoticeofthedateonwhichtherulewilltakeeffect
 Ifanagencymakesagoodcausefinding,itmaychoosenottofollowthe
directfinalproceduresiftheagencydeterminesthatthoseprocedures
wouldnotexpeditetheissuanceoftherule.
 Ifanagencyreceivessignificantadversecommentsduringthe30‐day
commentperiod,theagencyshallwithdrawthenoticeoffinalrulemaking
andcompletetherulemakingthroughstandardprocedures.
InterimFinalRules[Sec.3]
 IfanagencyfindsforgoodcausethatcompliancewithNPRM,initiationof
rulemakingforhigh‐impact/majorrules,hearingsforhigh‐impact/major
rules,ortherequirementtomakeareasoneddeterminationoffinal
rulemakingregardingrulemakingconsiderationsbeforeissuingafinal
ruleisunnecessary,impracticable,orcontrarytopublicinterest,the
agencyshallissueaninterimfinalruleby:
- Publishingtheinterimfinalruleandrequestforpubliccommentin
theFederalRegister,includingabriefstatementexplainingthe
reasonforthegoodcausefinding
- Requestpubliccommentwithin60daysofafterpublicationofthe
rule
 Within180daysafterdateofpublicationofaninterimfinalrule,the
agencyshall:
- Rescindtheinterimrule
- Initiaterulemakingproceduresor
- Takefinalactiontoadoptafinalrule
DirectFinalRules[Sec.103]
 Ifanagencyfindsforgoodcausethatnoticeandpublicprocedureare
unnecessary,includingbecauseagencyrulemakingisundertakenonlyto
correctademinimistechnicalorclericalerrorinapreviouslyissuedrule
orforothernoncontroversialpurposes,theagencymaypublishtherule
withoutfollowingthestandardrulemakingprocedures.Theagencymust
incorporatethegoodcausefindingsandastatementofreasonsthereforin
therulesissued.
 Iftheagencyreceivessignificantadversecommentwithin60daysof
publication,itshalltreatthenoticeoftheruleasanoticeofproposed
rulemakingandmustcompleterulemakingthroughstandardprocedures.
12
InterimRules[Sec.103]
 IfanagencyfindsforgoodcausethatcompliancewiththeANPRM,NPRM,
orhearingproceduresorrequirementstorenderfinaldeterminations
beforeissuanceofaninterimruleisimpracticableorcontrarytopublic
interest,thoserequirementsshallnotapplytoadoptionofinterimrule.
Theagencymustincorporatethefindingandbriefstatementofreasons
thereforintherulesissued.
 Iftheagencyadoptsaninterimrule,itshallcommenceproceedingsthat
complyfullywiththerulemakingrequirementsandshalltreatthe
publicationoftheinterimruleaspublicationofanNPRMwithno
requirementtoissueasupplementalnotice.
 Forhigh‐impactandmajorrules,theagencymustcompleterulemaking
within18monthsandtakefinalactiontoadoptaruleorrescindthe
interimrule;itmustdosowithin270daysforallotherrules.
 Iftheagencyfailstotaketimelyaction,theinterimrulewillceasetohave
theeffectoflaw.
 Otherthanincasesofnationalsecurity,ifanagencypublishesaninterim
SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
rule,aninterestedpartymayseekimmediatejudicialreview.Therecord
onreviewshallincludealldocumentsandinformationconsideredbythe
agencyandanyadditionalinformationpresentedbyapartythatthecourt
determinesisnecessarytoconsidertoassurejustice.
ExemptionforMonetaryPolicy[Sec.103]
ExemptionforMonetaryPolicy[Sec.3]
 Thissectionshallnotapplytoarulemakingorguidancethatconcerns
 Thefollowingrequirementsshallnotapplytorulemakingsthatconcern
monetarypolicyproposedorimplementedbytheBoardofGovernorsof
monetarypolicyproposedorimplementedbytheBoardofGovernorsof
theFederalReserveSystemortheFederalOpenMarketCommittee:
theFederalReserveSystemortheFederalOpenMarketCommittee.
- Cost‐benefitanalysisrequirement
- Requirementtomakeareasonedpreliminarydeterminationthat
thebenefitsoftheproposedrulemeetthestatutoryobjectivesand
justifythecostsoftherule
- RequirementtodiscussinanNPRMthealternativestoaruleand
thecost‐benefitanalysisofthosealternatives
- Hearingsforhigh‐impactrules
- Requirementtoadopttheleastcostlyrule
DateofPublicationofRule[Sec.3]
DateofPublicationofRule[Sec.103]
 Ahigh‐impactormajorfinalrule,directfinalrule,orinterimruleshallbe
 Asubstantivefinalorinterimruleshallbepublishednotlessthan30days
publishednotlaterthan60daysbeforeitseffectivedate;forallother
beforetheeffectivedateoftherule,except:
rules,itmustbepublishednotlaterthan30daysbeforeitseffectivedate,
- Asubstantiverulegrantingorrecognizinganexemptionor
relievingarestriction
exceptfor:
- Interpretativerulesandstatementsofpolicy
- Guidance
- Otherwiseprovidedbyagencyforgoodcausefoundandpublished  Otherwiseprovidedbytheagencyforgoodcausefoundandpublished
withrule.
withtherule.
RighttoPetition[Sec.3]
RighttoPetition[Sec.103]
 Eachagencyshallgiveinterestedpersonstherighttopetitionforissuance,  Eachagencyshallgiveinterestedpersonstherighttopetitionforissuance,
amendment,orrepealofarule.
amendment,orrepealofarule.
 Onacontinuingbasis,inviteinterestedpersonstosubmitsuggestionfor
rulesthatwarrantretrospectivereviewandpossiblemodificationor
repeal.
RulemakingGuidelines[Sec.3]
RulemakingGuidelines[Sec.103]
 TheOIRAAdministratorshallestablishguidelinesfortheassessment,
 TheOIRAAdministratorshallestablishguidelinesfortheassessment,
includingquantitativeandqualitativeassessment,of:
includingquantitativeandqualitativeassessment,of:
- Costsandbenefitsofproposedandfinalrules
- Costsandbenefitsofproposedandfinalrules
- Costeffectivenessofrules
- Othereconomicissues

Iftheagencyfailstotaketimelyaction,theinterimruleshallhavenoforce
oreffect.
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SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
- Othereconomicissuesrelevanttorulemaking
- Riskassessmentsrelevanttorulemaking
 Therigorofthecost‐benefitanalysisshallbecommensuratewiththe
economicimpactofarule
 Guidelinesforriskassessmentsshallincludecriteriafor:
- Selectingstudiesandmodels
- Evaluatingandweighingevidence
- Conductingpeerreviews
 TheOIRAAdministratormustupdatetheguidelinesatleastevery10
years.
 TheOIRAAdministratorshallissueguidelinestopromotecoordination,
simplification,andharmonizationofagencyrulesduringtherulemaking
processadvisingeachagencyto:
- Avoidregulationsthatareinconsistent,incompatible,or
duplicativewithitsownregulationsortheregulationsofother
federalagencies
- Draftregulationstobesimpleandeasytounderstandwithgoalof
minimizingpotentialforuncertaintyandlitigationarisingfrom
uncertainty
 TheOIRAAdministratorshallissueguidelines:
- Toensurerulemakingconductedinwholeorinpartwith
proceduresspecifiedinotherprovisionsoflawconformwiththe
proceduressetforthheretofullestextentallowedbylaw
- Fortheconductofhearingsforhigh‐impactandmajorrules,which
shallprovideareasonableopportunityforcross‐examination
 Eachagencyshalladoptregulationsfortheconductofhearingsconsistent
withthoseguidelines.
AgencyGuidance[Sec.3]
 Agencyguidanceshall:
- Notbeusedbyanagencytoforecloseconsiderationofissuesasto
whichtheguidanceexpressesaconclusion
- Statethattheguidanceisnotlegallybinding
- Attimeofissuanceoruponrequest,bemadeavailablebythe
issuingagencytointerestedpersonsandthepublic
 Beforeissuinganymajorguidance,anagencyshall:
- Makeanddocumentareasoneddeterminationthatsuchguidance
14





- Issuesrelatedtoriskthatarerelevanttorulemaking
Therigorofcost‐benefitanalysisshallbecommensuratewiththe
economicimpactofarule.
TheOIRAAdministratorshallregularlyupdatetheseguidelines.
TheOIRAAdministratorshallissuesguidelinestopromotecoordination,
simplification,andharmonizationofagencyrulesduringrulemaking
processtoensurethateachagencyavoidsinconsistent,incompatible,or
duplicativeregulationswithitsownregulationsorthoseofotherfederal
agenciesanddraftsitsregulationstobesimpleandeasytounderstand
withgoalofminimizingpotentialforuncertaintyandlitigationarising
fromuncertainty.
TheOIRAAdministratorshall:
- Issueguidelinesandotherwisetakeactiontoensurerulemakings
conductedinwholeorinpartunderotherproceduresconformto
thefullestextentallowedbylawwiththeproceduressetforthhere
- Issueguidelinesfortheconductofhigh‐impactrulehearings
includingtoensureareasonableopportunityforcross‐
examination.Eachagencyshalladoptregulationsfortheconduct
ofhearingsconsistentwiththeguidelines
TheOIRAAdministratorshallissueguidelinespursuanttotheInformation
QualityActtoapplyinrulemakingproceedings.Thoseguidelinesandthe
Administrator’sdeterminationsregardingagencycompliancewiththose
guidelinesshallbeentitledtojudicialdeference.
AgencyGuidance[Sec.104]
 Agencyguidance:
- Isnotlegallybindingandmaynotberelieduponbyanagencyas
legalgroundsforagencyaction
- Shallstateinaplain,prominent,andpermanentmannerthatitis
notlegallybinding
- Shallbemadeattimeofissuanceoruponrequesttointerested
personsandthepublic
 Agenciesshallavoidissuingguidancethatisinconsistentwith,or
SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017


H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
isunderstandableandcomplieswithrelevantstatutoryobjectives
andregulatoryprovisions,andidentifiescostsandbenefits
- ConferwiththeOIRAAdministratorontheissuanceofmajor

guidancetoensurethattheguidanceisreasonable,
understandable,consistentwithrelevantstatutoryandregulatory
provisions,doesnotproduceunjustifiedcosts,andisotherwise
appropriate
TheOIRAAdministratorshallissueupdatedguidelinesforagencies
regardingtheissuanceofguidancedocumentsadvisingeachagency:
- Nottoissueguidancedocumentsthatareinconsistentor
incompatiblewithorduplicativeotherregulationsoftheagencyor
otheragencies
- Todraftguidancedocumentstobesimpleandeasytounderstand
tominimizethepotentialforuncertaintyandlitigationarising
fromuncertainty
Howtodevelopandimplementastrategytoensuretheproperuseof
guidancebytheagency

duplicativeof,theagency’sgoverningstatutesorregulations,withthegoal
ofminimizinguncertaintyandlitigationarisingfromsuchuncertainty.
Beforeissuinganymajorguidanceorguidanceinvolvinganovellegalor
policyissuearisingoutofstatutorymandates,anagencyshall:
- Makeanddocumentareasoneddeterminationthatsuchguidance
isunderstandableandcomplieswithrelevantstatutoryobjectives
andregulatoryprovisions;summarizestheevidenceanddataon
whichtheagencywillbasetheguidance;identifiescostsand
benefits;describesalternativestosuchguidanceandtheircosts
andbenefitsandexplainswhytheagencyrejectedthose
alternatives.
- ConferwiththeOIRAAdministratorontheissuanceofmajor
guidancetoensurethattheguidanceisreasonable,
understandable,consistentwithrelevantstatutoryandregulatory
provisions,doesnotproduceunjustifiedcosts,andisotherwise
appropriate.
Uponissuingsuchguidance,theagencyshallpublishthedocumentation
describedabovebyelectronicmeans.
 TheOIRAAdministratorshallhaveauthoritytoissueguidelinesforagency
useintheissuanceofguidance.Theguidelinesshallensurethateach
agency:
- Avoidsissuingguidancedocumentsthatareinconsistentor
incompatiblewith,orduplicativeof,thelaw,itsotherregulations,
ortheregulationsofotherfederalagencies
- Draftsitsguidancedocumentstobesimpleandeasytounderstand
- Issuesguidanceinamannersufficienttoprovideatleast90days
foraffectedentitiestotakestepstocomplywithsuchguidance,
withthegoalofminimizingthepotentialforuncertaintyand
litigationarisingfromsuchuncertainty
RetrospectiveReview
NoticeofFinalRulemaking[Sec.103]
 Amongtheotherrequirementsdiscussedabovethatmustbeaddressedin
anoticeoffinalrulemaking,thenoticemustinclude:
- Foranyhigh‐impact,major,ornegativeimpactonjobsandwages
rule,theagency’splantoreviewtheruleatleasteverytenyearsto
RetrospectiveReview[Sec.3]
 Whenanagencypublishesaproposedhigh‐impactormajorrule,the
agencyshallincludeapotentialframeworkforassessingtherule,which
shallincludeageneralstatementofhowtheagencyintendstomeasure
theeffectivenessoftherule.
 Whenanagencypublishesafinalhigh‐impactormajorrule,theagency
shallincludeaframeworkforassessingtherule,including:
15
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H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
Aclearstatementoftheregulatoryobjectives,includinga
summaryofthebenefitandcostoftherule
- Themethodologybywhichtheagencyplanstoanalyzetherule,
includingmetricsbywhichtheagencycanmeasuretherule’s
effectivenessandbenefitsinproducingtheregulatoryobjectives
andtheimpacts,includinganycosts,oftheruleonregulatedand
otherimpactedentities
- Aplanforgatheringdataregardingthemetricsonanongoing
basisoratperiodictimes,includingamethodbywhichtheagency
willinvitepublicinput
- Aspecifictimeframenotmorethan10yearsaftertherule’s
effectivedate,underwhichtheagencyshallconductassessmentof
therule
Eachagencyshallassesseachfinalhigh‐impactandmajorruleaccording
totheplanabovetoanalyzehowthecostsandbenefitsmayhavevaried
fromthoseanticipatedatthetimetherulewasissuedandtodetermine:
- Whethertheruleisaccomplishingtheregulatoryobjectives
- Whethertherulehasbeenrenderedunnecessary,takinginto
considerationchangesinthesubjectareaandwhethertherule
overlaps,duplicates,orconflictswithotherrulesorstate/local
regulations
- Whethertheruleneedstobeamendedinordertoaccomplishthe
regulatoryobjective
- Alternativestotheruleormodificationsthatcouldbetterachieve
theregulatoryobjectivewhileimposingasmallersocietalburden
Ifanagencyusesadifferentmethodologythantheoneitoriginallysetout,
itmustprovideawrittenexplanationforthechange.
Ifanagencydeterminesafteranassessmentthattherulewillremainin
effect,theagencyshalldetermineaspecifictimenotmorethantenyears
laterforanotherassessment,andthereafterprovideforperiodicreviews.
TheOIRAAdministratormayexemptanagencyfromsubsequent
assessmentsiftheAdministratordeterminesthereisaforeseeableneed
fortherule.
Notlaterthan180daysaftercompletionofanassessment,theagency
mustpublishanoticeofavailabilityintheFederalRegisterofthe
assessmentresults.
-





-
determinewhetherthereremainsaneedfortherule,whetherthe
ruleisachievingstatutoryobjectives,whethertherule’sbenefits
continuetojustifyitscosts.Suchareviewshalltakeintoaccount
thefactorsandcriteriaestablishedinthistitle.
Formajorrules,areportonthecostsandbenefitsoftheruleon
entitiesregulatedbytherule,toberevisedeveryfiveyearswhile
ruleremainsineffect,including:
 Assessmentofrule’simpacts,includingcosts,onregulated
entities
 Determinationabouthowactualbenefitsandcostsofthe
rulehavevariedfromthoseanticipatedattimeofissuance
 Assessmentofeffectivenessandbenefitsofrulein
producingregulatoryobjectives
 OIRAreviewwhenrequiredunderexecutiveorder
AgencyReporttoCongress[Sec.103]
 AgencymustreporttoCongressnotlaterthan90daysafteritmakesa
determinationduringareviewofamajor/high‐impact/negative‐impact
onjobsandwagesrulethatthecosttotheregulatedentitieshasexceeded
theanticipatedcostatthetimethefinalrulewasissued.Thereportmust
address:
- Whethertheruleisaccomplishingitsregulatoryobjective
- Whethertherulehasbeenrenderedunnecessary
- Changesinthesubjectarea
- Whethertheruleoverlaps,duplicates,orconflictswithotherrules,
orstate/localregulations
- Alternativestotheruleormodificationstoitthatmightachieve
betterresultswhileimposingasmallersocietalburdenorata
lowercost
 Upondeliveryofreport,agencymustreopenthepublicdocketfor60days
andconsidermodificationsoralternativesthatreducecostsandincrease
benefitstoregulatedentitiesorindividuals.
 Ruleofconstructionthatnothinginthissubsectionmaybeconstruedto
affectanyotherprovisionoflawregardingretrospectivereviewsofrules
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SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017

TheOIRAAdministratorshall:
- Issueguidancefordevelopmentoftheassessmentframework
- Overseecomplianceofagencies
- EnsureresultsarepublishedpromptlyandnoticedintheFederal
Register
- Encourageandassistagenciestostreamlineandcoordinatethe
assessmentswithsimilar/relatedregulatoryobjectives
- ExemptanagencyfromtheassessmentiftheAdministrator
determinescomplianceisunnecessary,impracticable,orcontrary
topublicinterest
- Extendthedeadlineforanassessmentfornotmorethan90daysif
theagencyjustifiesitsneedfortheextension
 Theretrospectivereviewrequirementshallnotapplyto:
- AruleOIRAreviewedbeforedateofenactmentofthissubsection
- Aruleforwhichtheagencyalreadyisrequiredtoconducta
retrospectivereviewthatmeetsorexceedstheserequirements
- Aruleforwhichtheauthorizingstatuteissubjecttoperiodic
reauthorizationatleastevery10years
- Interpretativerules,policystatements,rulesofagency
organization,procedure,orpractice
- Routine/administrativerules
 Fordirectandinterimfinalhigh‐impact/majorrules,theagencyshall
publishtheassessmentframeworkintheFederalRegisternotlaterthan
180daysafterthedateonwhichtheagencypublishestherule.
 Iftheagencydeterminesaruleshouldbemodifiedorrepealedbutcannot
dosobecauseofaprovisionoflaw,theagencymaysubmit
recommendationstoCongressforlegislationtoamendthelaw.
 Judicialreviewofcompliancewiththeseprovisionsislimitedtowhether
anagencypublishedaframeworkforassessmentandcompletedand
publishedtherequiredassessment.Theonlyavailablereliefacourtmay
orderistoremandtheruletotheagencytocomplywiththeassessment
requirements.
Nocomparableprovision
JudicialReview:VacaturandRemand[Sec.4]
 Amends5U.S.C.§706toallowcourtstovacaterules,or,where
appropriate,remandthemwithoutvacatur,totheagency.
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H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
[Note:5U.S.C.§706currentlyonlyprovidesforvacatur,althoughinpractice,
courtsoftenremandrulestoagencies.]
JudicialReview:High‐ImpactRules,Guidance,AgencyInterpretationof
Rules[Sec.4]
 Whencourtsreviewhigh‐impactrules,theymustreviewwhetherthe
agency’sfactualfindingsaresupportedbysubstantialevidence.
- Substantialevidenceisdefinedassuchrelevantevidenceasa
reasonablemindmightacceptasadequatetosupportaconclusion
inlightoftherecordconsideredasawhole.
 Whencourtsreviewagencyguidancethatdoesnotinterpretastatuteor
rule,itmaybereviewedonlyforitsobservanceofprocedurerequiredby
law.
 Theweightareviewingcourtgivesanagency’sinterpretationofitsown
ruleshalldependonthethoroughnessevidentintheconsiderationofthe
rulebytheagency,thevalidityoftheagency’sreasoning,andthe
consistencyoftheinterpretationwithearlierandlaterpronouncements.
[Note:ThisreplacesAuerdeferencewithSkidmoredeference;theSenatebill
doesnotaffectChevrondeference.]
JudicialReview:PreclusionofReview[Sec.4]
 Thedeterminationofwhetheraruleisamajorrulebasedonitsincrease
tocostsorpricesforconsumers,individualindustries,governments,or
geographicregions,orbecauseofitssignificantadverseeffectson
competition,employment,investment,productivity,innovation,public
healthandsafety,orforeigncompetitionisnotsubjecttojudicialreview.
[Note:anagency’sdecisionregardingwhetheraruleisamajorrulebasedonits
annualeconomiceffectissubjecttojudicialreview.]
Nocomparableprovision
JudicialReview:AgencyInterpretationofStatutesandRules[Sec.202]
 Courtsshalldecidealltermsofanagencyactionanddecidedenovoall
relevantquestionsoflaw,includingtheinterpretationofconstitutional
andstatutoryprovisions,andrulesmadebyagencies.
 Ifthereviewingcourtdeterminesthatastatutoryorregulatoryprovision
relevanttoitsdecisioncontainsagaporambiguity,thecourtshallnot
interpretthatgaporambiguityasanimplicitdelegationtotheagencyof
legislativerulemakingauthorityandshallnotrelyonsuchgapor
ambiguityasajustificationeitherforinterpretingagencyauthority
expansivelyorfordeferringtotheagency’sinterpretationonthequestion
oflaw.
 Nolawmayexemptacivilactionfromapplicationofthissectionexceptby
specificreferencetothissection.
[Note:ThiseliminatesChevronandAuerdeferenceandauthorizescourts
reviewingagencyactionstodecidedenovoallrelevantquestionsoflaw.]
Nocomparableprovision
JudicialReview:DenialsofPetitionsforAgencyHearings[Sec.107]
 Courtsshallreviewagencydenialsofpetitionsforagencyhearingsfor
abuseofagencydiscretion.
ActionsReviewable[Sec.106]
 Amends5U.S.C.§704,whichprovidesthatcourtsmayreviewfinalagency
Nocomparableprovision
18
SenateRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017
H.R.5:HouseRegulatoryAccountabilityActof2017

19
actions.Addsthatdenialbyanagencyofacorrectionrequest,ordenialof
anadministrativeappealrelatedtotheInformationQualityAct,orthe
failureofanagencytoactwithin90daystograntordenysucharequest,
shallbefinalagencyaction.
Providesthatotherthanincasesinvolvingnationalsecurityinterests,
upontheagency’spublicationofaninterimrule,aninterestedpartymay
seekimmediatejudicialreview.