Relating to the provision of notice of certain proposed rules by state agencies.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will amend the Government Code to require notifications to legislators when their legislation is subject to rulemaking within a four-year period. Importantly, however, non-compliance with the notification requirements does not invalidate the rules adopted. This means that although the bill enhances transparency, the enforcement mechanisms regarding notifications are limited, which could lead to some legislators being unaware of rule changes that might contradict their legislative intent.
Summary
House Bill 139 focuses on improving the processes surrounding the notification of proposed rules by state agencies in Texas. The bill mandates that when a rule is proposed under statutory authority, state agencies must notify the primary author and sponsor of the legislation that enabled that authority. This provision is aimed at ensuring that legislators remain informed about actions taken by state agencies that could significantly affect the original purpose of the legislation they authored.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 139 appears to be positive, especially among legislators who advocate for greater oversight of state agency actions. Proponents assert that the bill will help maintain the integrity of the legislative process by keeping lawmakers informed. However, some may view the limited consequences for failing to notify as a potential shortcoming, reflecting a desire for stronger accountability measures.
Contention
While there does not appear to be significant contention mentioned in the discussions around HB 139, there is an underlying concern about whether this bill will truly enhance collaboration between state agencies and legislators. Critics argue that without strict enforcement or penalties for agencies that fail to comply with the notification requirements, the bill's effectiveness may be diluted. Furthermore, the logistical execution of such notifications, especially across multiple agencies, could pose challenges.