(DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg announced new research on the state’s regulatory framework from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University on Tuesday. The data suggests Iowa’s administrative code is overly burdensome to business and industry and impacts growing the economy.
State RegData is a research platform that allows users to quickly analyze state regulations and identify the specific industries most targeted by excessive regulation. An analysis of Iowa revealed more than 160,306 state restrictions that would take one person about 563 hours – or more than 14 weeks – to read. Using the new State RegData platform, users will be able to run an analysis comparing regulations across various industries in under a minute.
“As governor, I’m committed to eliminating red tape throughout state government,” Gov. Reynolds said. “That means continuously looking at ways to make state government, smaller, smarter and more efficient.”
“We know regulations play an important role in ensuring the well-being of Iowans,” she continued. “So we must balance ways to cut through red tape while still protecting the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.”
Iowa has taken steps to alleviate regulatory burdens. In 2011, an executive order was signed requiring all new regulations be justified by job impact statements. One year later, a law was passed requiring all agencies to review their administrative regulations every five years.
Iowans can also get involved in the administrative rules process, using rules.iowa.gov to comment on pending rules.
“I encourage all Iowans to actively check this website and proactively contribute to our rulemaking process. We want to hear from you,” Lt. Gov. Gregg said. “Tools such as the ones mentioned today give citizens the ability to be more engaged in and informed about the governing process.”
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