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HD 3476

An Act to relative to the revolving door between regulatory agencies and regulated industry

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Nick Boldyga

Bill restricts post-government employment of regulators with their former regulated industries to prevent conflicts of interest and regulatory capture.

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Bill Summary · HD 3476

Legislative bill overview

HD 3476 addresses the "revolving door" phenomenon where regulatory officials move between government agencies and the industries they previously regulated. The bill would likely impose restrictions on post-government employment, cooling-off periods, or disclosure requirements for former regulators joining private sector companies in their former regulatory areas. The specific mechanisms aren't detailed in the title alone, but such bills typically aim to prevent conflicts of interest and regulatory capture.

Why is this important

Regulatory capture—where industry influences the agencies meant to oversee it—undermines public trust and consumer/environmental protections. Former regulators possess insider knowledge, relationships, and regulatory expertise that companies pay premium salaries to access, creating incentives for lenient regulation in exchange for future lucrative employment. This dynamic can systematically weaken enforcement and rule-making in critical sectors like finance, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic burden on talent recruitment: Restrictions on post-government employment may make regulatory positions less attractive, potentially limiting the pool of experienced professionals willing to work in government at lower salaries if their future career options are constrained.
  • Definition and scope challenges: Determining which industry positions constitute problematic "revolving door" activity versus legitimate career mobility is difficult—a biologist leaving EPA might join a pharmaceutical company in unrelated divisions, raising questions about overly broad restrictions.
  • Constitutional concerns: Restrictions on future employment could face First Amendment challenges or be viewed as improperly limiting commercial speech and employment freedom.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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