Restoring Checks and Balances Act

HR 1226, the Restoring Checks and Balances Act, requires most new federal regulations to expire automatically five years after taking effect unless Congress specifically reauthorizes them. This directly affects federal agencies that issue regulations, mandating they submit detailed reauthorization requests to Congress by December 1 of the year before expiration, including justifications and related rules. The bill requires agencies to publicly post these requests online and prohibits agencies from reissuing or modifying expired regulations. It excludes certain rules, such as those related to national security, criminal enforcement, agency operations, or imminent health/safety emergencies. The law does not change existing regulations, only new ones issued after its enactment.