If approved, SCR1012 would change the process by which state agencies can implement rules that incur considerable regulatory costs. The intent is to foster accountability and transparency in the rulemaking process by requiring additional legislative involvement, which may slow down the implementation of new regulations. This could particularly affect agencies that propose rules in sectors where regulatory costs are typically high, such as environmental protection, health, and public safety. Critics of the bill worry that the added legislative oversight could lead to delays in essential regulations, thereby adversely affecting public welfare.
Summary
SCR1012, also known as the Rulemaking Legislative Ratification Resolution, proposes an amendment to the Arizona Revised Statutes focusing on rulemaking and regulatory costs. The bill mandates that any proposed rule that is anticipated to increase regulatory costs by more than $100,000 over five years be submitted to the Office of Economic Opportunity for review. Should the costs be projected to exceed $500,000, legislative ratification would be required before the rule can take effect. This process is designed to enhance scrutiny over rules that could impose significant costs on the state and its residents, ensuring greater legislative oversight over regulatory actions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SCR1012 appears to be mixed among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that the amendment is necessary to prevent bureaucratic overreach and ensure that regulatory costs do not become burdensome for taxpayers and businesses alike. However, opponents express concern that this could undermine the ability of agencies to respond swiftly to important regulatory needs, particularly in emergencies or situations requiring immediate action. The bill has become a focal point for broader debates about the balance of power between state agencies and legislative oversight.
Contention
Controversial aspects of SCR1012 include the potential for increased legislative influence in rulemaking processes, which some view as an encroachment on the autonomy of regulatory agencies. Opponents argue that while oversight is important, overly restrictive measures could hinder effective governance by imposing unnecessary barriers to the enactment of critical regulations. Moreover, the requirement for legislative ratification on rules that might be considered urgent by agencies poses a significant point of contention and could lead to legislative gridlock.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.