In the weekly Republican message, state representative Rich Collins calls for more legislative oversight of state regulations.
Collins cites examples he says show how regulations in the First State have had a chilling effect on job creation, new business start-ups and community improvement.
He argues part of the problem is the General Assembly has no role in creating regulations - or reviewing those produced by state agencies.
"The result is that Delaware citizens and businesses have little clout or recourse in a process that impacts their affairs in countless ways," said Collins. "State lawmakers need a mechanism to review proposed regulations, as well as repeal ineffective, outdated, or burdensome rules that aren’t working as they should."
Collins adds that the current system provides inadequate oversight – noting that while state agencies are required to consider the potential costs and effects of proposed regulations - they are not required to disclose that information to the public.
Full text of GOP weekly message from State rep . Rich Collins
Hi, I’m State Rep. Rich Collins, speaking to you from Legislative Hall.
Many people do not realize the chilling effect state regulations can have on job creation, new business start-ups and community improvements.
In one instance, a church in Ocean View canceled plans to build a Youth Center on their property after new state stormwater regulations increased the cost by hundreds-of-thousands of dollars.
In another case, an entrepreneur wanted to purchase the site of a former fast food restaurant in Millsboro to start a truck sales business. Environmental officials demanded a stormwater study, while transportation officials mandated new sidewalks that led to nowhere. The plan, which would have employed 20 people, was abandoned.
These examples, as well as dozens of others, illustrate a pervasive problem.
State regulations can carry the weight of law, impose significant new costs on those being regulated, and levy sanctions on those that don’t comply.
Many state agencies have the authority to promulgate new regulations, but there are few checks on this power.
Additionally, while state agencies are required to consider the potential costs and effects of proposed regulations, they are not compelled to disclose this information to the public.
The Delaware General Assembly has no role in promulgating regulations and no regulatory oversight authority.
The result is that Delaware citizens and businesses have little clout or recourse in a process that impacts their affairs in countless ways.
This needs to change.
State lawmakers need a mechanism to review proposed regulations, as well as repeal ineffective, outdated, or burdensome rules that aren’t working as they should.
The General Assembly has a duty to provide Delawareans with the voice they currently lack.
