Americans for Prosperity-Ohio Issues Proponent Testimony on REINS Bill

Mar 12, 2025 by AFP

Columbus, OH – Yesterday, Americans for Prosperity – Ohio (AFP-OH) testified before the House Government Oversight Committee in support of H.B. 11, a bill requiring legislative approval for the most economically significant rules.

AFP-OH Legislative Director Hannah Kubbins said the following in her testimony:

“The government has a role in creating fair and equally applied rules that foster an opportunity-rich environment for all people while protecting against significant public harm. However, that role should be limited, and those who are responsible for developing and enforcing those rules should be held accountable. Elected lawmakers must reassert their proper role in developing and finalizing laws that include clear and unambiguous guidance for enforcement.

“Americans for Prosperity see the REINS Act as necessary policy for several reasons, including:

Legislative Oversight: The REINS Act emphasizes the importance of legislative oversight in reducing unnecessary or inefficient laws. By implementing a REINS-style oversight mechanism, elected officials are required to review high-impact rules before they are finalized, ensuring that regulations align with the public’s interests.
Reliable Impact Analyses: This act advocates for a process where lawmakers and agencies must consider key questions about implementation costs and the evidence supporting the need for regulation. This ensures that regulations are both necessary and cost-effective.
Defining ‘Major Rules’: The REINS Act highlights the need for clear criteria to define what constitutes a “major rule” eligible for REINS review. This includes factors like economic impact and public comments, ensuring that only significant regulations undergo this rigorous review.
Expedited Review: The act stresses the importance of an expedited procedure to ensure quick review of regulations. This helps prevent delays in implementing necessary rules while still maintaining thorough oversight.
Limitations of REINS: While the REINS Act does not address existing regulations or broader rulemaking shortcomings, it acknowledges these limitations. Lawmakers must remain vigilant about potential loopholes and continue to refine the regulatory process.
Lack of Accountability: Since regulators are not elected, granting them broad power to create legally binding restrictions often results in public policies that lack representation and do not reflect the needs or desires of the public. The REINS Act aims to restore accountability by ensuring that elected officials have the final say on major regulations.
Restoring Balance: To ensure a representative government, legislatures must reclaim their authority over the lawmaking (and rulemaking) process. The REINS Act helps restore this balance by requiring legislative approval for significant regulations, thereby reinforcing the role of elected representatives in shaping public policy.”