Administrative Procedures Act; amend to require proposed agency rules to be approved by the state auditor.
Impact
The implementation of HB 163 is expected to significantly alter the administrative landscape by requiring agencies to seek approval from the State Auditor before enacting rules that could affect the general populace. This requirement underscores the importance placed on checks and balances in the regulation-making process, potentially adding a layer of accountability that might prevent hasty or detrimental regulatory actions. Proponents argue that it will lead to more considered and direct oversight over the rules that govern public interactions with state agencies.
Summary
House Bill 163 seeks to amend several sections of the Mississippi Code to establish a requirement that no agency rule or regulation affecting the general public can become effective unless approved by the State Auditor or their designee. This legislative move is aimed at enhancing oversight of agency rules, ensuring that regulatory actions are thoroughly scrutinized for their potential impact on the public. The bill delineates specific criteria that the State Auditor must consider when determining whether to approve or object to a proposed rule.
Contention
However, this bill is not without its detractors. Critics raise concerns about the potential for bureaucratic delays that could arise from needing additional approvals for every rule. The tension lies in balancing necessary regulatory oversight against the efficiency of administrative processes. Specific fears have been voiced about the possibility that this added layer of approval could hinder timely responses to emerging public needs, especially in situations where swift regulatory adaptations are essential to public health and safety. Some might argue that it restricts the autonomy of agencies to effectively regulate based on their specific operational insights.