HARRISBURG – The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee Monday approved a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would promote private-sector job creation by eliminating costly, ineffective state regulations that hamper economic growth.
“My bill is about unleashing the entrepreneurial spirit in Pennsylvania and enabling job creators to grow our economy without being stifled by job-crushing excessive regulation,” Mastriano said. “This is an innovative, bipartisan approach to grow our economy by eliminating regulations that kill jobs without improving the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.”
Mastriano’s Senate Bill 259 would establish a three-year regulatory reduction pilot program in the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs and the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. Specifically, the bill will aim to reduce barriers for small business owners, workers, and reformed formerly incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania who wish to enter the workforce in an occupation requiring a license as a condition of employment.
The bill sets a goal of a 25% reduction of regulatory requirements and compliance costs within a three-year period.
Both entities would have to produce a comprehensive catalog detailing the number and type of existing regulations and regulatory requirements. This would be used as a baseline to determine if the 25% reduction target is met within the appointed timeframe.
A similar bill approved in 2018 by Virginia’s Republican Legislature and signed into law by the Democrat governor resulted in a 27% reduction in regulations at the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
Mastriano’s bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.
Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603