Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SB22

Introduced
2/6/23  

Caption

Agency operations; procedures for federal rule and regulation review. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB 22 is likely to lead to significant changes in state law regarding the interaction between federal and state regulation. By allowing the Legislature to disapprove federal rules, the bill seeks to curtail perceived federal overreach, reinforcing state autonomy. This legislation may create a more streamlined and efficient process for managing state compliance with federal regulations while potentially delaying or complicating the implementation of crucial federal measures. The bill's language indicates that any federal rule disapproved by the Legislature will not be effective, reinforcing the notion of state sovereignty.

Summary

Senate Bill 22 aims to reform the way state agencies handle federal regulations. It establishes a procedure that requires state agencies to inform the Legislature and the Governor whenever new federal rules or changes to existing federal rules are introduced. This communication is intended to ensure that lawmakers can review and potentially disapprove these federal mandates, thus exerting greater control over state agency operations. The bill's provision for legislative disapproval is particularly significant as it empowers the Legislature to reject federal rules, impacting how state agencies function in relation to federal requirements.

Contention

Despite its intention to bolster state power, SB 22 has been met with contention. Critics argue that it risks leaving state agencies without necessary guidance on critical issues, particularly those requiring compliance with existing federal laws that protect public interests such as health and safety. There are concerns that the disapproval process could lead to inaction in response to urgent federal mandates, subsequently jeopardizing the state's ability to respond effectively to federal regulations addressing pressing concerns. Supporters, however, maintain that the bill allows for a more measured and representative approach to how state laws adapt to federal directives.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SB22

Agency operations; procedures for federal rule and regulation review. Emergency.

OK SB1687

Agency operations; procedures for federal rule and regulation review. Emergency.

OK SB484

Agency operations; providing procedures for federal rule and regulation review for state agencies; authorizing the Legislature to disapprove implementation of certain rules and regulations. Effective date.

OK SB616

Administrative Procedures Act; prohibiting state agencies from complying with federal regulations without legislative approval. Effective date.

OK H24

Review of Federal Acts/Rules/Regulations

OK H454

Review of Federal Acts/Rules/Regulations

OK SB539

Agency administrative rules; requiring certain publication on agency websites; amending rules. Emergency.

OK SB726

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations; further providing for existing regulations; and providing for State agency regulatory compliance officers and for Independent Office of the Repealer.

OK SB810

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations; further providing for existing regulations; and providing for State agency regulatory compliance officers and for Office of Government Efficiency.

OK HB1601

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; and providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.