(The Center Square) – Two Tennessee lawmakers want to give the public a chance to comment on any new regulations.
House Bill 1913/Senate Bill 2199 requires state agencies to post any new regulations online for 45 days and allow for a public comment period. Trade organizations and others directly affected by the regulation would be notified, according to the bill.
The bill adds an extra step to the current procedure in which agencies provide fiscal statements for new regulations. Agencies would also publish an annual report on the fiscal impact of the new rules, which would be featured on the Secretary of State’s website.
The Joint Government Operations Committee could request an analysis of any bills with a fiscal impact of more than $750,000 over five years. The General Assembly would have to approve agency rules with an impact of more than $1 million.
“Tennessee is leading the nation in improving efficiency by cutting red tape and holding the bureaucracy accountable,” said Rep. Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon. “The Regulatory Freedom Act of 2026 will streamline government operations, boost transparency and increase trust in the Volunteer State’s institutions.”
Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, is sponsoring the bill in the Senate. It is assigned to the Government Operations Committee in both chambers.
