Bill Overview
Title: Sunset Act of 2022
Description: This bill establishes a process for the sunset of major federal rules and the review of federal rules currently in effect.
Sponsors: Rep. Emmer, Tom [R-MN-6]
Target Audience
Population: Global population impacted by federal rules changes
Estimated Size: 331000000
- The bill introduces a process for the sunset of major federal rules, meaning it will impact all individuals who are governed by these rules.
- Major federal rules often cover a wide array of sectors including healthcare, environmental protection, financial regulation, and labor laws, affecting virtually all sectors of the population.
- The review process can lead to the continuation, expiration, or modification of these rules, potentially altering the regulatory environment and impacting businesses, consumers, and workers.
- Individuals who rely on protections or regulations provided by these rules will be affected, either through changes to their rights, obligations, or the protection/benefit they receive from the rules.
Reasoning
- The Sunset Act affects federal regulations across multiple sectors such as healthcare, environment, finance, etc., impacting diverse groups differently.
- The entire U.S. population is technically subject to these rules, but the direct impact is likely felt most by those working in highly regulated industries or those reliant on federal protections.
- The majority of the population may only see indirect effects through broader economic or environmental changes.
- Cost considerations necessitate focusing on significant rule changes that could disrupt or enhance wellbeing in measurable ways.
- Changes in federal rules can alter the perceived stability in sectors like healthcare (Medicare/Medicaid), environment (EPA), labor (OSHA), which impact individuals' life satisfaction.
- Each interview attempts to capture perspectives from varying demographics and occupations likely to experience differing effects of the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Auto Industry Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned that relaxed labor laws could weaken workers' rights and job security.
- If these rules change, we might lose some of the protections we currently rely on.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The potential rollback of environmental regulations could be disastrous for climate change efforts.
- I fear that without stringent rules, environmental quality will deteriorate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Oil and Gas Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Less regulation could boost our business, but it's a balance against potential backlash.
- Our operations might get a bit easier, but we're cautious about reputation risks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I am worried that changes could affect my Medicare benefits.
- The security of my healthcare is very important to my wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Tech Startup Founder (Seattle, WA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Deregulation can spur tech innovation, but data privacy laws are crucial for user trust.
- I see a double-edged sword with fewer rules.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Financial Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changes in financial regulations can create market volatility, impacting my job security.
- Without regulation clarity, economic stability feels shaky.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reduced compliance costs could help my business, but I worry about consumer trust.
- If larger corporations benefit and squeeze us out, it could harm small businesses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Healthcare Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changes in healthcare regulations impact not only my workplace's funding but also patient care quality.
- I fear some vulnerable patients might be left without necessary support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 5 |
Farmer (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Federal rules help stabilize markets, especially with climate change threats.
- If regulations change, it could impact my crop yields and insurance coverages.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 2 | 4 |
Public School Teacher (Denver, CO)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Funding tied to federal rules affects our students' resources and opportunities.
- I worry changes could lower educational standards or reduce available programs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $900000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 2: $850000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $1050000000)
Year 3: $800000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 5: $750000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $950000000)
Year 10: $700000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $900000000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The balance between regulatory efficiency and oversight is crucial; too little regulation could lead to negative social or environmental outcomes, while too much could stifle innovation.
- Potential legal challenges from stakeholders affected by the sunsetting of specific regulations could impact implementation and outcomes.
- The effect on state-level regulations and inter-state commerce needs to be considered, as federal rules often interact with state regulations.