Regulatory Review Improvement Act of 2026

The "Regulatory Review Improvement Act of 2026" proposes significant changes to how federal agencies conduct periodic reviews of their existing rules under title 5, United States Code. A key provision mandates agencies to solicit public comments on whether each final rule should remain in effect during these reviews, enhancing public participation. It also tightens the process for delaying reviews, stipulating that any delay must be explained and cannot exceed one year. Furthermore, the bill expands the scope of these reviews, requiring agencies to include a detailed economic analysis of the rule, along with its cost of compliance and the number of paperwork hours it has required since its implementation. Before commencing a review, agencies must produce a qualitative and quantitative summary of all received public comments, including their own analysis of these comments. These amendments aim to make agency rule reviews more transparent, comprehensive, and responsive to public and economic impacts.