This bill would strengthen oversight of federal agency rulemaking by requiring federal agencies to clearly identify and explain the specific laws that authorize each regulation they create. When proposing a new rule, agencies would need to list the precise legal authorities for the rule as a whole and for each individual provision within it, along with an explanation of how those authorities provide the power to issue the rule. The same requirement would apply to final rules once they are officially adopted. The legislation also expands the grounds for courts to overturn agency rules, allowing judges to invalidate regulations if the agency's claimed legal authority exceeds what Congress actually granted it, or if an agency claims power to decide major policy questions without clear congressional authorization. Any rules in effect when the bill becomes law that violate these new requirements would immediately cease to have legal effect. This legislation affects all federal agencies and could significantly impact the regulatory process by making it easier for courts to strike down regulations.
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