The Zero Based Regulations Act would require federal agencies to systematically review and repeal their existing regulations on a rotating schedule, with approximately 20 percent of each agency's rules reviewed annually. Before any repealed rule can be reinstated, the agency must complete a cost-benefit analysis and hold at least two public hearings; reinstated rules cannot impose more than 70 percent of the original cost. The bill also restricts new rulemaking for the remainder of the fiscal year in which it is enacted, allowing agencies to issue new rules only if they reduce regulatory burden, remove outdated rules, comply with new laws or court orders, or prevent documented threats to public health and safety—and only if they simultaneously repeal or simplify at least one existing rule. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs would develop standardized forms and processes to manage this review system, with publication of review schedules required by January 1 each year. The bill affects all federal agencies and their rulemaking authority but does not specify new funding allocations or include a defined timeline beyond the current fiscal year for the new rulemaking restrictions.
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