- The REINS Act creates a formal process for individuals to challenge proposed rules.
- It also requires legislative approval for any permanent regulation that's expected to have an economic impact of $1 million or more within a 12-month period.
The General Assembly could soon have greater involvement in the state’s rule-making processes under a new bill filed by North Carolina lawmakers on Thursday.
The NC REINS Act (Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny) aims to strengthen accountability and legislative oversight of regulations enacted by the executive branch by requiring legislative approval for any permanent rule or regulation that’s expected to have an economic impact of $1 million or more within a 12-month period.
Lawmakers say the intent is not to turn the General Assembly into a regulatory body but rather to bring transparency and accountability to the regulatory process by preventing rule-making from crossing a threshold into legislating without the legislature.
One of the lead sponsors, Rep. Allen Chesser, R-Nash, told the Carolina Journal that the legislation is not motivated by partisan politics but by a desire to enhance accountability for government regulations that have considerable consequences on the state.
“It’s not targeting any one party. It’s not targeting the governor,” Chesser told the Carolina Journal. “Right now the executive branch in North Carolina is evenly split 5-5 between Republicans and Democrats. So it will equally affect our Republican Council of State as much as it does our Democrat Council of State.”
Under current processes, rules are typically enacted once approved by the Rules Review Commission, which consists of ten commissioners appointed by the General Assembly. However, the new proposal adds a step where the General Assembly must review and ratify any rule with substantial economic consequences before it can take effect.
The legislation (HB 402) would make regulatory processes more accessible to the public by adding a layer of oversight that will ensure that lawmakers, rather than unelected officials, make final decisions on regulations that could have widespread economic effects.
The bill comes days ahead of Sunshine Week, a week that recognizes the importance of government transparency and the public’s right to access information.
“It’s not partisanly motivated in any way and should not be viewed that way. It is 100% a sunshine option here because I believe that when people operate in the public view, they operate more honorably,” Chesser added. “We owe it to the people of North Carolina, to the taxpayers of North Carolina to make sure that they have the ability to hold someone accountable for the regulations that impact their life on a daily basis.”
The REINS Act will hold unelected bureaucrats accountable, save taxpayer money and put a halt to wasteful government! Proud to join @gachesser, @mikefor35 and @RealJeffZENGER in leading this much-needed effort in the NC House. #ncga #ncpol https://t.co/t3yWK1lqG7
— Rep. John Bell (@JohnBellNC) March 13, 2025
The REINS Act also creates a formal process for individuals to challenge proposed rules. If 10 or more people file objections, the rule will be reviewed by the legislature before it can take effect. Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies must provide detailed fiscal notes explaining the economic impacts of proposed rules, further ensuring public awareness and understanding.
If passed, the REINS Act would drastically reshape how North Carolina enacts its regulations, promoting both transparency and public accountability in the state’s rule-making process.