Legislation recently introduced in the state Senate would create a regulatory sandbox.
Regulatory Sandbox: Making PA the Home of Dynamic Innovation would establish a regulatory sandbox program within the governor’s office. The program would be run by an advisory committee comprised of legislators and business community representatives.
Entrepreneurs would submit applications to the program seeking to temporarily waive or suspend certain laws or regulations in order to develop and market new products or services.
“Regulatory sandboxes allow regulators the flexibility to safely monitor and foster new ideas instead of simply shutting them down because regulations haven’t caught up with technology,” state Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16), who introduced the bill, said. “Regulatory sandboxes allow companies and agencies to work together. While protecting public health and safety, regulatory sandboxes will also create a welcoming environment in Pennsylvania that aids in introducing new goods and services to benefit consumers.”
The Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee advanced the bill that now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
Coleman has two other regulatory reform bills that are waiting Senate consideration. Senate Bill 333 would require General Assembly approval before a regulation with an impact greater than $1 million could go into effect. Senate Bill 444 would require agencies to conduct a review of new economically significant regulations after they have been in effect for three years.