NUNN FILES MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN

OVERSIGHT OF KENTUCKY’S REGULATORY PROCESS

SB 20 reins in bureaucracy, foster accountability and economic growth

PHOTO CUTLINE: Sen. Matt Nunn files Senate Bill 20. Feb. 14, 2025. Photo Credit: David Hargis, Photographer, Public Information Office, Legislative Research Commission.

 FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 17, 2025)—Sen. Matt Nunn, R-Sadieville, filed Senate Bill (SB) 20 on Friday. The bill seeks to enhance accountability and limit the unchecked expansion of administrative regulations. It also aims to protect Kentuckians from burdensome, unnecessary rules while ensuring state agencies remain focused on their core missions and foster a pro-growth economic environment. Rep. Wade Williams, R-Earlington, has introduced mirror legislation in the state House of Representatives (House Bill [HB] 6).

The legislation aligns with a broader national push to curb regulatory overreach and restore legislative oversight. At the federal level, U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) has introduced the REINS Act, which requires congressional approval for any regulation with an economic impact exceeding $100 million. Similarly, SB 20 ensures Kentucky’s agencies cannot implement costly, far-reaching regulations without meeting strict accountability measures.

The bill also establishes a two-year, $500,000 threshold to define what constitutes a “major economic impact.” Under SB 20, beginning March 31, state agencies will be prohibited from creating or amending regulations unless they can certify that the rule meets at least one of the following exceptions:

  • will not have a significant economic impact

  • addresses an imminent threat to public health or safety

  • prevents the loss of federal or state funds

  • meets a federally mandated deadline

  • complies with a court order

  • pertains to the licensure and regulation of health facilities

 

Agencies must provide a detailed cost analysis to illustrate the financial implications of any proposed regulation. The measure adds an extra layer of oversight for large state agencies, such as the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. Before implementing new regulations, agencies must certify compliance with the allowable exceptions, and the governor must approve.

“Kentuckians deserve a transparent, accountable government that doesn’t create rules without proper oversight, so ensuring scrutiny of regulations drafted by unelected members of the bureaucracy seems like a bipartisan and common sense thing to do,” Nunn said. “SB 20 and HB 6 ensure state agencies stay focused while preventing excessive regulations that stifle job growth and innovation. I thank Rep. Williams for doing yeoman’s work on this legislation and being such an instrumental part of the effort.”

SB 20 includes an emergency clause, meaning, if given final passage, the new requirements would take effect on March 31.

Find SB 20 by clicking here and HB 6 here.

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Sen. Matt Nunn represents the 17th Senate District, including Grant and Scott Counties, southern Kenton County, and northwestern Fayette County. Elected to the Senate in November, Nunn succeeded Kentucky’s longest-serving Senate Majority Floor Leader, Sen. Damon Thayer. Nunn is co-chair of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Economic Development, Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection. He is also a member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development, Tourism, and Labor; Appropriations and Revenue; Licensing and Occupations; Agriculture; and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection. Additionally, Nunn serves on the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.