LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – State agencies could soon have to strike down two existing regulations for every new one they propose under a bill advancing in the Michigan House.
House Bill 4039, sponsored by Rep. Pat Outman (R-Six Lakes), would amend the state’s Administrative Procedures Act to require agencies to include a list of two rules to be rescinded for each new regulation they submit to the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.
Outman says the policy borrows from a Trump-era federal initiative and aims to make Michigan a more attractive place to do business.
“This is a way to really get our regulatory agencies to take a look at what’s duplicative, outdated, or unnecessary,” Outman said.
But critics, including Rep. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids), argue the bill could eliminate important safeguards that protect public health and the environment.
“It’s a ham-handed attempt that’s going to get us down to a regulation-free state — the equivalent of Somaliland,” Skaggs said. “It’s not good for clean water, safe air, or consumer protections.”
The House Fiscal Agency says the bill’s cost impact on state departments is still unclear. The proposal has cleared the House Rules Committee and awaits a vote on the House floor.
