Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Ensure State Regulations are Based on Reliable Data

Harrisburg – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) to help ensure that state regulations are based on reliable data and sound science was unanimously approved by the state Senate this week.

Senate Bill 752, the Data Quality Act, would expand the scope of review by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to include the examination of the quality of data, studies, reports and information underlying state regulation being implemented.

“The burden of justification will be upon the regulatory agency to demonstrate that the regulation is based upon empirical, replicable and testable information,” said Erickson.  “If the agency does not, or cannot, it would be grounds for disapproval of the proposed regulation.”

The state agency seeking to implement a regulation would have the responsibility to provide to the IRRC a sufficient description of any data upon which regulation is based as well as a detailed explanation of how the data was obtained and why the data is acceptable.

“Regulations are a necessary part of governing, but if you’re a citizen or employer trying to navigate a maze of rules that don’t seem to make sense, it can be maddening. Senate Bill 752 is designed to alleviate that and make the process more open and fair,” said Erickson. “I believe this is a common-sense requirement of our regulatory agencies that will improve the overall regulatory environment as well as increase transparency in government.”

Senate Bill 752 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

CONTACT:

Tom Golden
(717) 787-1350