Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD850

Introduced
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  
Refer
2/28/23  

Caption

An Act to Require State Agencies to Complete the Rulemaking Process Within One Year of a Legislative Directive to Adopt Rules

Impact

If enacted, LD850 will significantly impact how state agencies interact with legislative directives, imposing a time constraint on the rulemaking process. This change is designed to minimize delays that often occur in agency responses to new laws, potentially leading to quicker and more effective regulatory responses. Advocates argue this will make government operations more responsive and transparent, promoting accountability in the legislative process. The bill represents an effort to reduce bureaucratic inertia and foster a more agile regulatory environment within state governance.

Summary

LD850, titled 'An Act to Require State Agencies to Complete the Rulemaking Process Within One Year of a Legislative Directive to Adopt Rules', aims to streamline the process by which state agencies are required to adopt rules following legislative directives. The bill mandates that agencies must adopt or provisionally adopt regulations within 12 months of the law's effective date unless specifically instructed otherwise by law. This initiative is intended to enhance the operational efficiency of state agencies and ensure more timely implementation of legislation that impacts the public and various stakeholders.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding LD850 appears to be largely positive among proponents who argue that it is a step towards improving state governance and making agencies more accountable. Supporters, including some legislators and advocacy groups, emphasize the importance of timely rulemaking for public benefit. However, there may be concerns among those who believe that such a rigid timeline could compromise the thoroughness and quality of the rulemaking process, leading to hasty regulations that may not fully consider stakeholder input or consequences.

Contention

Notable points of contention about LD850 center on the balance between efficiency and thoroughness in the rulemaking process. Critics may voice concerns that reducing the timeframe for rule adoption could lead to oversights or inadequate stakeholder engagement, resulting in less effective regulations. Some lawmakers may prefer to maintain flexibility in the rulemaking timeline to ensure that agencies have ample opportunity to consider public feedback, thereby preserving the integrity of the regulatory framework. The bill's proponents argue that a strict timeline can coexist with quality governance, thereby necessitating an ongoing dialogue about regulatory best practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD1744

An Act to Strengthen Accountability in Rulemaking by Providing for Legislative Oversight

ME LD383

An Act to Restore Legislative Oversight of Rulemaking

ME SB1474

Relating to the procedure by which state agencies adopt rules, including legislative approval of certain rules proposed or adopted by state agencies.

ME HB2471

Rulemaking; legislative approval

ME LD978

An Act to Maintain Legislative Oversight of the Maine Medical Use of Cannabis Program by Requiring Major Substantive Rulemaking

ME HCR2052

Rulemaking; legislative authority

ME SB528

Requiring certificate of need be subject to legislative rulemaking

ME HB274

Relative to the administrative rulemaking process.

ME SB14

Relating to reforming the procedure by which state agencies adopt rules and impose regulatory requirements and the deference given to the interpretation of laws and rules by state agencies in certain judicial proceedings.

ME HB5083

Relating to the adoption and review of rules by state agencies.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.