SB617 would create a new sunset system for Oklahoma administrative rules. Under the bill, any permanent rule promulgated or amended on or after the bill’s effective date would automatically terminate one year after it takes effect, unless the Legislature renews it by joint resolution for another one-year term or a shorter period. The bill also preserves the Legislature’s existing ability to repeal a permanent rule before its automatic termination date.
The measure establishes a renewal request process for agencies. An agency seeking renewal would have to submit its request between four and six months before the rule’s termination date, explain why renewal is necessary, and provide a cost-benefit analysis. The agency would also be required to publish the request on its website. In addition, the Secretary of State would be required to notify the promulgating agency at least four months before a rule’s termination date.
Impact
SB617 would significantly change the lifecycle of permanent administrative rules in Oklahoma by imposing an automatic one-year sunset on new or amended rules and requiring affirmative legislative action to keep them in force. It would affect state agencies that promulgate rules, the Secretary of State’s notice responsibilities, and the Legislature’s oversight of administrative rulemaking, while being codified in Title 75 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded vote on the bill, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from debate. Based on the bill’s structure, it appears aimed at increasing legislative oversight and forcing periodic review of agency rules, which may appeal to proponents of regulatory accountability while raising concerns among agencies and rulemaking stakeholders about administrative burden and rule instability.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the automatic one-year termination of permanent rules, which could be viewed by supporters as a check on regulatory overreach but by opponents as disruptive to agency operations and long-term regulatory planning. Another likely issue is the requirement that agencies justify renewal with a cost-benefit analysis and public posting, which adds procedural obligations and may be criticized as time-consuming or duplicative. The bill also shifts more responsibility to the Legislature to actively renew rules, which could be seen as strengthening democratic control but also increasing legislative workload.
Administrative rules; providing for termination of permanent administrative rules subject to certain schedule; providing for renewal process. Effective date. Emergency.