H.R. 710 — Regulation Decimation Act

This section prohibits an agency from issuing a rule unless the agency repeals at least 10 related existing rules that impose costs or responsibilities on nongovernmental persons or state or local governments (exempting agency internal policies or practices, procurement by the agency, or revisions that decrease burdens or compliance costs), with repealed rules published in the Federal Register. For major rules, the section further requires that the new rule's costs not exceed those of the repealed rules, as certified by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) Administrator. The section also (1) directs each agency head to submit to Congress and the OMB Director, within 90 days of enactment, a report reviewing agency rules to identify those that are costly, ineffective, duplicative, or outdated; and (2) requires the President to submit to Congress, within five years of enactment, a report on the number of rules in effect and the status of reductions over the prior five years. Definitions apply as under the Administrative Procedure Act (i.e., agency and rule under 5 U.S.C. §551; major rule under 5 U.S.C. §804), with "state" expanded to include the District of Columbia, U.S. territories or possessions, and federally recognized Indian tribes.