Legislative Oversight
of Regulations:
A 50-State Survey
By James Broughel and Mitchell Scacchi
Abstract
Legislative vetoes have gained renewed attention with the introduction of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act in Congress and the enactment of similar reforms in states such as Kansas and Wisconsin. However, states employ a variety of approaches to legislative oversight, such as committee reviews, one-year sunset provisions that function as legislative approval requirements, and constitutional amendments allowing for direct legislative overrides. This research report comprehensively surveys and tallies the legislative review mechanisms found in each state.
Figure 1. Legislative Oversight Provision Counts by State (out of 16)
This map was last updated on July 31, 2025.
PLF is a national nonprofit legal organization that defends Americans’ liberties when threatened by government overreach and abuse. We sue the government in court when our clients’ rights protected by the Constitution are violated, and advocate for legislative and regulatory reforms in the other branches of government. Started in 1973 in California, PLF now seeks reform across the country, including suits filed nationwide, scoring precedent-setting victories for our clients, with an unmatched track record at the United States Supreme Court.