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HB 2493

Creating the Sound Science in Regulations Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jarred Cannon and 5 co-sponsors

HB 2493 mandates Illinois agencies to base regulations on the best available science, enhancing public health and environmental safety through reliable data.

Markup Discussion
#rulemakingauthority
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Bill Summary · HB 2493

Summary of HB 2493: Creating the Sound Science in Regulations Act

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 2493
  • Title: Creating the Sound Science in Regulations Act
  • Status: Markup Discussion
  • Introduced: February 3, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Rule Making Authority

Purpose and Intent

The Sound Science in Regulations Act aims to ensure that state agencies in Illinois base their regulatory actions on the best available scientific evidence. This legislation seeks to enhance the integrity and reliability of regulatory processes concerning public health and environmental safety.

Key Provisions

  1. Regulatory Actions:

    • State agencies are prohibited from proposing or finalizing any regulatory actions related to drinking water, air quality, hazardous substances, or waste management unless they are supported by the best available science.

  2. Definition of Best Available Science:

    • The bill defines "best available science" as reliable, unbiased, and rigorously applied scientific information. It must maximize the quality and objectivity of data, including statistical information and relevant studies.
    • Studies must be conducted using accepted scientific methods, subject to independent verification, and published in refereed journals.

  3. Scope of Application:

    • The provisions apply only to regulatory actions adopted after the effective date of the act that are more stringent than federal regulations or adopted in the absence of federal regulations.
    • Existing regulatory actions and those in line with federal requirements are exempt from this act.

  4. Reporting and Compliance:

    • Agencies must report on their adherence to these standards, ensuring transparency and accountability in the regulatory process.

Impact

  • Affected Parties:

    • This bill will primarily impact state regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, public health advocates, and industries subject to regulation in areas such as water quality and hazardous waste management.

  • Public Health and Safety:

    • By mandating the use of scientifically sound data, the act aims to enhance public health protections and environmental safety measures.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 3, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Rules Committee.
  • March 6, 2025: House Committee Amendment No. 1 filed and referred to the Judiciary - Civil Committee.
  • March 12, 2025: Amendment adopted; bill passed out of committee with a vote of 13-4.
  • April 10, 2025: Bill passed the House with a vote of 80-34.
  • April 23, 2025: First reading in the Senate and referred to Assignments.

Conclusion

HB 2493 represents a significant step towards ensuring that regulatory actions in Illinois are grounded in robust scientific evidence. By establishing clear standards for the use of scientific data, the bill aims to protect public health and the environment while promoting transparency in regulatory processes.

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

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