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PIONEER Act

USA119th CongressS-3998| Senate 
| Updated: 3/5/2026
Mike Lee

Mike Lee

Republican Senator

Utah

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Promoting Innovation and Offering the Needed Escape from Exhaustive Regulations Act" or the PIONEER Act , establishes an Office of Federal Regulatory Relief within the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This new office is tasked with overseeing a regulatory sandbox program, designed to allow agencies to grant waivers for existing rules and guidance. The primary purpose of this program is to incentivize the success of new or existing businesses, expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and foster innovation. It achieves this by permitting entities to temporarily test products or services, or undertake projects, without being fully licensed or authorized under current regulations, provided they meet specific application criteria. Applicants must be U.S.-based, disclose relevant personal and business information, and provide a detailed description of their offering, including how it benefits consumers and plans for risk mitigation. Applications are reviewed by applicable agencies, which must consider potential health and safety risks, economic damage, and unfair trade practices, with input from newly established advisory boards composed of private sector experts, including small business representatives. Waivers are initially granted for a two-year term, with the possibility of up to four additional two-year continuances. The Office can revoke waivers if an entity causes significant harm, severe economic damage, or engages in unfair practices, or fails to comply with program terms. Entities operating under a waiver are exempt from civil or criminal enforcement of the waived provisions, but not from liability for consumer harm or other criminal offenses. To protect consumers, entities must publicly disclose their waiver status, potential risks, and contact information before distributing their offerings. They are also required to maintain records, report incidents, and submit regular reports on consumer participation and risk assessments. Annually, the Director will report to Congress on the program's outcomes, including benefits and harms realized. Based on the program's experience, the Director will recommend to Congress which covered provisions should be amended or repealed, especially those waived for at least six years. This triggers a special legislative procedure for a joint resolution to repeal the identified provisions. The bill authorizes appropriations to the Office from collected application fees, ensuring the program's operational funding.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4211
PIONEER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4919
PIONEER Act
Mar 5, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 5, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4211
    PIONEER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4919
    PIONEER Act


  • March 5, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 5, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

PIONEER Act

USA119th CongressS-3998| Senate 
| Updated: 3/5/2026
This legislation, known as the "Promoting Innovation and Offering the Needed Escape from Exhaustive Regulations Act" or the PIONEER Act , establishes an Office of Federal Regulatory Relief within the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. This new office is tasked with overseeing a regulatory sandbox program, designed to allow agencies to grant waivers for existing rules and guidance. The primary purpose of this program is to incentivize the success of new or existing businesses, expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and foster innovation. It achieves this by permitting entities to temporarily test products or services, or undertake projects, without being fully licensed or authorized under current regulations, provided they meet specific application criteria. Applicants must be U.S.-based, disclose relevant personal and business information, and provide a detailed description of their offering, including how it benefits consumers and plans for risk mitigation. Applications are reviewed by applicable agencies, which must consider potential health and safety risks, economic damage, and unfair trade practices, with input from newly established advisory boards composed of private sector experts, including small business representatives. Waivers are initially granted for a two-year term, with the possibility of up to four additional two-year continuances. The Office can revoke waivers if an entity causes significant harm, severe economic damage, or engages in unfair practices, or fails to comply with program terms. Entities operating under a waiver are exempt from civil or criminal enforcement of the waived provisions, but not from liability for consumer harm or other criminal offenses. To protect consumers, entities must publicly disclose their waiver status, potential risks, and contact information before distributing their offerings. They are also required to maintain records, report incidents, and submit regular reports on consumer participation and risk assessments. Annually, the Director will report to Congress on the program's outcomes, including benefits and harms realized. Based on the program's experience, the Director will recommend to Congress which covered provisions should be amended or repealed, especially those waived for at least six years. This triggers a special legislative procedure for a joint resolution to repeal the identified provisions. The bill authorizes appropriations to the Office from collected application fees, ensuring the program's operational funding.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4211
PIONEER Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-4919
PIONEER Act
Mar 5, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 5, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4211
    PIONEER Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-4919
    PIONEER Act


  • March 5, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 5, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Mike Lee

Mike Lee

Republican Senator

Utah

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted