Regulatory Review Process

The regulatory review process is lengthy and complex. The outline below is just an overview of the process. For more detailed information, visit the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC).

  1. Regulation is drafted by state agency and internally reviewed and approved before being submitted for public comment. Regulation also may be provided to citizen advisory panels or other interest groups for input.
  2. Regulation is given to the Attorney General, who has 30 days to approve or disapprove draft regulation; submitted to appropriate General Assembly committees and IRRC; and published in the "Pennsylvania Bulletin" for 30-day public comment period.
  3. IRRC comments are due 30 days after close of public comment period. Legislative committees may comment at any time.
  4. State agency has up to two years from the close of the comment period to consider comments and re-submit final regulation.
  5. Final regulation and response to comments are distributed to IRRC, legislative committees, and commenters.
  6. General Assembly committees vote to approve or disapprove regulations.
  7. IRRC holds public meetings where five appointed commissioners review comments, hear testimony, and vote to approve or disapprove the regulation.
  8. Following IRRC approval and a final review by the Attorney General, the regulation is published in the "Pennsylvania Bulletin" and becomes effective.

Last Updated: 8/27/2007
From: 
Email:  
To: 
Email:  
Subject: 
Message: