Senate advances four employment bills

The state Senate recently advanced four bills aimed at increasing the employment rate by increasing legislative oversight.

Senate Bill 28 would require all agencies that issue permits to post information about the permits on an accessible tracking system for applicants to check the status of their applications.

Senate Bill 126 would, after three years, conduct an automatic review of all regulations with an economic impact or cost to the state, local governments, and the private sector of more than $1 million.

Senate Bill 426 would provide additional legislative oversight of the regulatory review process to ensure state agencies implement the law.

Senate Bill 520 would require the General Assembly to approve all regulations with an economic impact or cost to the state, local governments, and the private sector of more than $1 million.

“For too long, Pennsylvania’s maze of regulations has hampered job creation, putting too much power in the hands of unelected bureaucrats,” state Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster County) said. “These reform measures will give citizens a voice through their elected representatives and shed more light on the regulatory process.”

Pennsylvania’s employment rate is lower than other states emerging from the pandemic.

The bills move to the House of Representatives for consideration.