Paperwork Reduction Modernization Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to streamline federal information collection processes, reduce the burden on individuals and businesses, and enhance government efficiency by requiring agencies to actively seek less burdensome methods and regularly review their data requests.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Paperwork Reduction Act to require federal agencies to evaluate alternatives that reduce the burden of information collection on the public, including using existing data and electronic methods. It also mandates that all information collections be the least burdensome necessary. Furthermore, it requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure agencies conduct triennial reviews of their information collections to identify and eliminate unnecessary, burdensome, or duplicative requests.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill will significantly reduce the administrative and financial burden on individuals, businesses, and non-profits by forcing federal agencies to be more thoughtful and efficient in their data collection practices. They contend it will lead to cost savings, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, and modernize government operations by encouraging the use of existing data and electronic methods.
Opponents contend
Critics or those with concerns might argue that while the intent is good, the bill could inadvertently lead to a reduction in the quality or quantity of data essential for effective policymaking, program evaluation, or public oversight if agencies prioritize burden reduction over critical information needs. Agencies might also face increased administrative burdens in conducting the mandated reviews without additional resources.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing for quick comprehension by any interested reader.
Section 2(1)(A)
Require Evaluation of Burden Reduction Alternatives
This provision amends current law to explicitly require federal agencies, when planning information collections, to evaluate alternatives that would reduce the burden on the public. These alternatives include leveraging data already possessed by the agency or other agencies, utilizing electronic collection methods, and employing statistical sampling techniques to minimize the scope of new data requests.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for modernizing government and ensuring agencies actively seek ways to minimize the impact of their data requests on the public, leading to greater efficiency and compliance.
Critics contend
Some might express concern that an overly strict interpretation could lead to agencies collecting insufficient data for critical functions, or that the evaluation process itself could become an additional bureaucratic hurdle without clear benefits.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the government's need for information with the public's desire for less intrusive and time-consuming data requests. The tension lies in ensuring sufficient data quality and completeness while rigorously pursuing burden reduction.
Section 2(1)(B)
Mandate Least Burdensome Information Collection
This section adds a new requirement that any federal information collection must be the 'least burdensome necessary' to obtain the required information. This necessity must be supported by the evaluation of alternatives as described in the preceding provision, creating a direct link between the analysis of alternatives and the final design of the information collection.
Section 2(2)
Require Triennial Review of Information Collections
This provision adds a new subsection (j) to the law, requiring the Director of OMB to mandate that each federal agency conduct a comprehensive review of all its information collections every three years, starting 18 months after the bill's enactment. The purpose of these reviews is to identify collections that are unnecessary, can be modified to reduce burden, or duplicate collections performed by other agencies, with the goal of eliminating or streamlining them.