Wisconsin lawmakers are debating GOP-backed bills aimed at reducing the number of state regulations, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. The changes would affect rules put out by statewide agencies that regulate everything from businesses to the environment.
With support from conservative groups like the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and business interest groups such as Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, the legislation advanced to a public hearing on Thursday.Â
One proposal would cause state regulations to expire after seven years unless officials take necessary steps to re-adopt them.Â
Another bill would affect new regulations anticipated to cost businesses or local governments more than $0 to implement. That proposal would not allow the addition of the new rule unless Wisconsin first repeals an old rule to offset the compliance costs of the old one.Â
Existing Wisconsin law, in contrast, only requires expenses to be offset if compliance with the new rule is expected to cost over $10,000 over two fiscal years.Â
The new bill would include an exception for new emergency rules and those needed to comply with federal air and water quality standards.
