Bill would force agencies to weigh regulations' impact on small businesses more closely
In markupH.R. 421Latest action
Sponsor: Ben Cline · Representative · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act
119th Congress
Topics: Government & democracy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 421 would expand and strengthen small-business impact reviews before federal agencies finalize new regulations.
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What does this do?
HR 421 amends the Regulatory Flexibility Act to broaden what counts as a reviewable "rule," require agencies to weigh indirect costs and both harmful and beneficial effects on small entities, and add tribal organizations to covered groups. It also strengthens the SBA's Chief Counsel for Advocacy, creates a small-business consultation process, requires periodic review of old rules, allows lawsuits after final rules are published, and generally requires waiving first-time paperwork fines for small businesses.
Who does it affect?
Federal agencies that write regulations, small businesses and nonprofits that must comply, and the SBA's Office of Advocacy are directly affected; consumers could feel indirect effects through rules on environment, labor, health, or land use.
Why does it matter?
More detailed analysis requirements and expanded legal challenge options could slow or reshape how agencies finalize rules affecting small entities.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 15, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jun 10, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 13 - 12.