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For Immediate
Release
4/1/09
Senate Passes Erickson Bill to Ensure State
Regulations are Based on Reliable Data
Renewed
push to examine quality of data underlying state regulations.
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 136,
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
regulations being implemented.
"Senate Bill 136 places the burden of justification for a new regulation
where it belongs -- on the regulatory agency. Regulations have a wide,
lasting impact, and government agencies should be required to
demonstrate that the regulation is based upon empirical, replicable and
testable information," said Erickson.
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 the regulation
is based as well as a detailed explanation of how the data was obtained
and why the data is acceptable.
"This legislation is
designed to make the process more open, logical and fair," said
Erickson. "Reasonable regulations are a part of governing, but if not
developed properly they can stifle job growth and place an unnecessary
burden on citizens. If an agency does not or cannot justify a proposed
regulation, it should be grounds for disapproval."
Senate Bill 136 was sent
to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT:
Tom Golden
(717) 787-1350
Additional Information:
Reforming
Government
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