Alaska House Bill HB278

Alaska 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/24
• Report Pass: 3/20/24
• Refer: 1/18/24
• Refer: 3/20/24

Caption

Admin. Regulation Review Division

Impact

The establishment of the Administrative Regulation Review Division will significantly impact state laws regarding how administrative regulations are developed, reviewed, and implemented. Agencies will be required to submit proposed regulations to the division for examination, leading to an increased emphasis on transparency and public input. This bill aims to ensure that regulations are not only effective but also reflective of legislative priorities and legal standards, ultimately aiming to protect the interests of state citizens and uphold democratic processes in governance.

Summary

House Bill 278 aims to establish the Administrative Regulation Review Division within the Alaska Legislature. Its primary purpose is to provide thorough legislative oversight of administrative regulations filed by the lieutenant governor, ensuring they align with legislative intent. The bill incorporates procedural frameworks that encourage public participation in regulatory processes and mandates all state agencies to cooperate with the division to furnish any necessary information. This initiative is designed to streamline the regulatory process while maintaining accountability to the public and facilitating legislative engagement in regulation-making.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 278 is the balance between efficient governance and adequate legislative oversight. Proponents argue that the administrative regulation review will prevent arbitrary regulatory actions and ensure that all relevant stakeholders have a voice in the development of regulations. However, critics may view it as an additional layer of bureaucracy that could slow down the regulatory process, making it cumbersome for agencies to adapt existing rules or implement new regulations quickly, which can be crucial in fast-changing circumstances.