policysprawl

Policysprawl refers to the rapid growth and fragmentation of public policy, manifested by the proliferation of rules, programs, and standards that operate across multiple agencies and jurisdictions. The term is used in policy studies to describe not only more laws, but the increasing complexity, overlap, and geographic dispersion of regulatory activity.

Several factors drive policysprawl. Decentralization and federalism create multiple jurisdictions with separate agendas. Sectoral specialization produces overlapping mandates as different agencies regulate the same activities. Reactive policymaking, pilot programs, and litigation-driven rulemaking can generate incremental additions rather than systematic reform. Interest groups and political incentives may favor new rules to signal action.

The consequences include higher compliance costs for individuals and firms, inconsistent or conflicting requirements, and administrative inefficiency. Overlapping rules can create enforcement gaps, diluted accountability, and difficulties in evaluating policy effectiveness. Critics argue that policysprawl reduces clarity and undermines governance, while supporters contend it reflects adaptive responses to diverse contexts and risk factors.

Policy sprawl is often measured by counting regulations or programs, assessing cross-coverage and overlap, or tracking administrative burdens and the time required to comply. Examples occur in environmental permitting, land-use planning, health and safety standards, and tax or benefit regimes, where multiple layers of policy interact.

Addressing policysprawl typically involves improving policy coherence through mapping and sunset provisions, centralized coordination, and impact assessment. Tools such as registries of rules, clearer definitions, and standardized reporting can reduce duplication and simplify compliance while preserving necessary protections.