PIONEER Act

Key Points

• The bill creates a "regulatory sandbox" program that lets businesses apply for temporary waivers from federal rules and guidance so they can test new products, services, or projects for up to 2 years without needing full licenses or authorizations.
• A new Office of Federal Regulatory Relief would be created inside the Office of Management and Budget. It would handle applications, refer them to the right agencies, manage appeals, and oversee the entire sandbox program.
• Each federal agency must set up a 10-person advisory board of private-sector experts — at least half from small businesses — to review sandbox applications. Board members can't be from the same political party and serve unpaid 3-year terms.
• Businesses in the sandbox must publicly tell consumers they're operating under a waiver, explain any risks, and the government can immediately revoke a waiver if a company causes significant harm, severe economic damage, or engages in deceptive practices.
• If a regulation has been safely waived for at least 6 years, the Office can recommend Congress permanently repeal it. The bill includes a fast-track congressional procedure — bypassing the Senate filibuster — to vote on eliminating those rules.
• Waivers start at 2 years but can be renewed up to 4 additional times, giving businesses up to 10 total years of relief from specific federal rules. However, waivers cannot cover taxes, fees, or charges imposed by the federal government.