Rule Adoption & Review Requirements
The bill eliminates an existing exemption that allowed certain types of rules—specifically those related to orders, licenses, permits, or adjudications—to bypass the cost-benefit analysis requirement. By mandating this analysis, the bill seeks to emphasize the financial implications rules impose not only on the state but also on its residents. This newfound emphasis on cost evaluation is expected to alter the regulatory landscape, focusing efforts on transparency and efficacy in governance.
House Bill 1107 introduces significant changes to the procedures for how principal departments of Colorado state government adopt and review their rules. One of the main requirements of the bill is the mandatory performance of a cost-benefit analysis for any proposed new rule or amendment to an existing rule. This shift aims to ensure that the regulatory processes are grounded in a clear understanding of their economic impacts, thereby addressing the need for more accountable governance in the rule-making process.
A noteworthy component of HB1107 is the requirement for legislative committees to take a recorded vote when addressing the recommendations of departments after their mandatory rule reviews. This provision introduces an additional layer of legislative oversight, aiming to make the rule-review process more democratic. Critics may argue that this could slow down rule adoption or complicate governmental procedures. Supporters, on the other hand, view it as a necessary step towards ensuring more robust accountability from state departments.
HB 1107 represents a push towards a more systematic and economically-minded approach to rule-making within state governance. If enacted, this bill is likely to lead to broader reflections on the effectiveness and efficiency of existing rules while stimulating discussions on the balance between regulation and economic impact.