Proposed Law Would Curtail Settlements That Set Federal Regs

Republican lawmakers from judiciary committees of both the House and Senate have introduced a law they say will put an end to a practice whereby federal regulators settle lawsuits with pro-regulation groups by adopting rules. Bill proponents call this practice sue-and-settle litigation and claim it results in costly and unwarranted regulation. Among the provisions of the “Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2015,” which was introduced by Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), is one that would require at least 60 days of public comment before consent decrees and settlement agreements could be worked out with federal agencies.