Many government rules stay active for decades even if they are outdated or no longer make sense. Currently, the process for checking these rules can be slow and agencies can ignore them for years without much consequence. This bill matters because it shines a light on 'hidden' costs of the government—like the thousands of hours people spend filling out forms—and forces agencies to justify why a rule should keep existing.

If this becomes law, it could lead to more old rules being deleted or simplified because the 'cost of compliance' will be officially recorded and made public. If it doesn't pass, agencies will continue to have the power to delay reviews for up to five years and won't be forced to calculate the cumulative paperwork burden they've created.