Administrative Procedures Act; amend to require notice of proposed rule to include cost.
Impact
The bill's amendments aim to enhance transparency and accountability within the regulatory process, particularly concerning the financial implications of new rules on state finances and the potential impact on small businesses. By requiring economic impact statements to be filed and shared with legislative members, it seeks to inform legislators about the operational and financial burdens that may arise from new regulations. This could lead to a more collaborative approach between agencies and the legislature in evaluating proposed rules.
Summary
House Bill 1498 amends certain sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972 related to the Administrative Procedures Act, specifically focusing on rule adoption and the requirement for agencies to provide economic impact statements. The bill mandates that any agency intending to adopt a rule must include an estimate of the rule’s associated costs to the state in their notice of proposed rule adoption. Additionally, agencies are required to send copies of this notice to every member of the Mississippi Legislature, ensuring legislative oversight on proposed administrative changes.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the added administrative burden on agencies required to conduct economic impact analyses, which some may argue could slow down the regulatory process. Additionally, questions may emerge regarding how comprehensively these economic impacts are assessed and reported, especially for small businesses that might be heavily affected by regulatory changes. Critics might also argue that the bill could deter agencies from pursuing necessary regulatory changes due to the added complexity of compliance with these new requirements.
Administrative Procedures Act; require agencies to provide notice to Legislature and require Governor's approval if estimated cost of agency rule exceeds a certain amount.
Cost-benefit analysis required for proposed administrative rules, adoption of certain rules prohibited, and notice to legislature upon adoption of exempt rules required.