ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE: Provides relative to the promulgation of rules pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Impact
The proposed legislation also stipulates that rules adopted in accordance with nonemergency procedures will automatically expire on June 30 of the year following their adoption unless legislative action is taken to extend their effectiveness. This expiration provision aims to encourage a more dynamic review of agency regulations and holds agencies accountable for the relevance of their rules over time. As a result, this may lead to a significant reduction in outdated or unnecessary regulations that persist within state law, promoting a more efficient regulatory environment.
Summary
House Bill 709 is proposed legislation that aims to modify the administrative procedures through which state agencies create rules under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). The bill mandates that when an agency proposes to adopt a new rule, it must concurrently identify and notify the intention to repeal two existing rules. This change is intended to streamline the rulemaking process and reduce the regulatory burden by ensuring that new regulations do not proliferate without accompanying deletions of existing rules.
Sentiment
Sentiment surrounding HB 709 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who view it as a necessary reform to decrease bureaucratic inertia. Supporters argue that it will enhance oversight of agency rulemaking, facilitate clearer communication about regulations, and potentially lead to regulatory simplification. However, there may be apprehension among some legislators and stakeholders about the implications for agencies that may feel pressured to repeal rules, potentially undermining specific regulatory protections in the process.
Contention
Notable points of contention include concerns regarding whether the automatic expiration of rules will inadvertently eliminate essential regulations that protect citizens or serve important administrative functions. Additionally, the balance of legislative authority and agency independence is a critical theme in discussions surrounding the bill. Critics of the proposed changes may worry that increased legislative oversight could lead to undue influence on the regulatory processes or create an environment where agencies are less able to operate efficiently due to increased demands for compliance under the new requirements.
Provides relative to the administration of the Cecil J. Picard Educational and Recreational Center and its rental rates and usage fees (EG INCREASE GF EX See Note)
Provides that a website established and maintained by the commissioner of administration shall be the official journal of the state and requires him to post certain information about boards and commissions on it (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Creating the regulatory relief division within the office of the attorney general and establishing the general regulatory sandbox program to waive or suspend rules and regulations for program participants.
To amend sections 121.95 and 121.951 of the Revised Code to revise the definition of "regulatory restriction" for purposes of administrative rulemaking and to specify that certain rule changes alone do not eliminate a restriction.