Provides for the requirement that proposed agency rules with a fiscal impact of more than $100,000 be submitted to the Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees for review. (gov sig)
With this amendment, the law will impact how state agencies propose changes to rules and fees moving forward. As a result, a greater number of proposed actions will now require submission to the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Appropriations. Proponents of the bill believe this will lead to more accountable regulation and better budgeting at the state level, as smaller fiscal impacts will now receive legislative attention. This increased oversight could potentially lead to postponements in the implementation of such rules while the legislative review takes place.
Senate Bill 175, introduced by Senator Donahue, aims to amend existing laws regarding the review process for proposed agency rules and fee changes within Louisiana. The bill significantly lowers the threshold for when proposed rules or fee changes must be reported to legislative committees from $1 million to $100,000. This change is intended to increase legislative oversight and ensure that agency actions with a substantial fiscal impact undergo proper scrutiny before being implemented.
The general sentiment towards SB 175 appears to be cautious approval. Supporters argue that the bill enhances transparency and accountability within state agency operations. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about the potential for bureaucratic delays that could hinder necessary agency actions, particularly in cases of urgent rule changes or fee adjustments. Thus, there is a balance between ensuring oversight and maintaining efficient government operations.
Notably, some lawmakers have expressed reservations regarding the operational implications of significantly lowering the fiscal impact threshold. Critics argue that this could create an overwhelming workload for legislative committees and divert attention from more significant legislative matters. There is also a concern that the increased legislative involvement may lead to political influences on agency rule-making, which could undermine the technical expertise required for effective governance.