An act to amend Section 11349.3 of the Government Code, relating to state government.
Summary
SB 1204 would amend the Government Code section governing review of state agency regulations by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). Under current law, OAL must approve or disapprove a regulation within 30 working days and, if it disapproves the regulation, return it to the adopting agency with reasons for the decision. This bill adds a new reporting requirement: when OAL disapproves a regulation, it must also report that disapproval and the reasons for it to the Legislature within 60 days of returning the regulation to the agency.
The measure does not change the substantive standards OAL uses to review regulations, such as necessity, authority, clarity, consistency, reference, and nonduplication. Instead, it increases legislative visibility into regulatory rejections and creates a formal notification pathway from OAL to the Legislature. The bill also preserves existing procedures allowing agencies to request the return of a regulation and prohibits OAL from using that return process as a substitute for disapproval.
Impact
SB 1204 would amend Section 11349.3 of the Government Code within the Administrative Procedure Act framework. Its practical effect is to require the Office of Administrative Law to provide the Legislature with notice and explanation whenever it disapproves a regulation, thereby adding a new oversight and transparency obligation to the regulatory review process. The bill would affect state agencies that submit regulations for review, the Office of Administrative Law, and the Legislature, but it would not directly alter local government programs or impose an appropriation.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support and little controversy. The bill advanced unanimously in committee and later passed the Senate consent calendar with no recorded opposition. There is no committee transcript indicating substantive debate or opposition, which suggests the measure was viewed as a relatively noncontroversial government transparency and oversight bill.
Contention
No major points of contention are evident in the provided materials. The bill appears narrowly focused on reporting requirements rather than on changing regulatory standards or limiting agency authority. If any concern exists, it would likely center on administrative burden for the Office of Administrative Law or on whether the Legislature needs additional notice of disapproved regulations, but no such objections are reflected in the votes or transcripts provided.
State finance: budgets; certain work project appropriations; modify legislative disapproval process of. Amends sec. 451a of 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1451a).
Authorizes a proposed increase or decrease in a rate for certain kinds and lines of insurance to be implemented pending approval or disapproval by the Commissioner of Insurance. (BDR 57-93)
State finance: budgets; certain work project appropriations; modify legislative disapproval process of. Amends sec. 451a of 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1451a).