Bill · S. 1556· Senate(119-S-1556)
Zero Based Regulations Act
- Introduced
- 5/1/2025
- Last activity
- 5/1/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- James Risch
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Zero Based Regulations Act" requires federal agencies to regularly review existing regulations according to a schedule set by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Before a review happens, the agency must repeal the regulation being reviewed. To reinstate a rule, agencies must perform a retrospective analysis, hold at least two public hearings, and ensure the new rule costs no more than 70 percent of the original. The bill also restricts new rulemaking during the first fiscal year unless it meets specific goals, like reducing regulatory burdens or preventing threats to public safety. Additionally, new rules generally require the repeal or simplification of an existing rule to decrease the overall regulatory burden.
Yes· 3 of 22
Would business owners be better off under this?+9
Significantly reduces the cost and burden of regulatory compliance.
Would gun owners be better off under this?+7
Likely leads to the repeal of many restrictive firearm regulations.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+7
Small businesses are disproportionately burdened by regulations and benefit most from their repeal.
The opposite· 3 of 47
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-9
The core mechanism of the bill is to repeal regulations, including environmental ones.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-8
Environmental protections and emission limits would likely be repealed.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?-8
Directly opposes the goal of increasing regulation by mandating the repeal of existing rules.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Public Input: The bill requires that the volume of rules reviewed annually allows the public to provide "meaningful input" (Section 3(b)(2)) and mandates at least two public hearings for reinstating repealed rules (Section 3(e)(2)(A)).
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Cost Reduction: Any reinstated rule cannot cost more than 70 percent of what the original rule cost (Section 3(e)(3)).
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Removal of Outdated Rules: New rulemaking is encouraged if it is used to "remove obsolete, outdated, or unnecessary regulations" (Section 5(a)(1)(B)).
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Reducing Burden: The bill seeks to "reduce or remove a regulatory burden" (Section 5(a)(1)(A)) and generally requires that new rules decrease the net regulatory burden by repealing or simplifying an existing rule (Section 5(a)(2)).
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Safety Protections: Agencies can still create new rules to "prevent a substantiated and well-documented threat to public health, peace, or safety" (Section 5(a)(1)(D)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Automatic Repeal of Rules: Agencies must repeal a part of the Code of Federal Regulations before it is even reviewed (Section 3(c)), which could leave a gap where no regulation exists.
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Restrictions on New Rules: For the remainder of the fiscal year after enactment, agencies are generally prohibited from new rulemaking unless they meet strict conditions (Section 5(a)).
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Limitation on Rule Reinstatement: Agencies cannot reinstate a repealed rule without first completing a retrospective analysis (Section 3(e)(1)(B)), which could delay the return of necessary regulations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Gas Prices+3Improves Environmental Protections-9Reduces Carbon Emissions-8Reduces Fossil Fuel Production-7Improves Public Land Management-5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A-4Increases Renewable Energy Investment-3Improves Public Transit-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Second Amendment Protections+6Improves Gun Control Measures-6Improves Disability Rights-4Improves Pathway To Citizenship-4Improves Gender Equality-3Improves L G B T Q Rights-3Improves Policing Reform-3Improves Racial Equity-3Improves Childcare Affordability-2Improves Poverty Reduction-2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+9Good For Gun Owners+7Good For Farmers+4Good For Billionaires+3Good For High Net Worth Individuals+3Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Ultra High Net Worth Individuals+3Good For High Income Households+2Good For People With Disabilities-6Good For Immigrants-5Good For Low Income Households-5Good For Union Workers-5Good For Children-4Good For L G B T Q Community-4Good For Native Americans-4Good For African Americans-3Good For Asian Americans-3Good For Hispanic Americans-3Good For Retirees-3Good For Seniors-3Good For Women-3Good For Students-2Good For Urban Residents-2Good For Veterans-2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation-8Improves Data Privacy-7Improves Student Loan Relief-4
- Healthcare
- Reduces Hospital Costs+1Improves Pandemic Preparedness-5Improves Opioid Crisis Response-4Increases Affordable Care Act Support-4Improves Healthcare Access-3Reduces Prescription Drug Costs-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Economic Growth+5Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending+1Reduces Inflation+1Improves Consumer Protection-6Improves Union Protections-2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+3Improves Cybersecurity Defense-4Improves Veterans Benefits-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+5Improves Government Transparency+4Improves Due Process+3Improves Interstate Commerce+2Improves Privacy Rights-6Increases Federal Power-6Reduces Lobbying-3
- 5/6/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 5/1/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Mike CrapoRepublican · Idaho
Eric SchmittRepublican · Missouri