Relative to the administrative rulemaking process.
The implications of HB274 are significant for the relationship between legislative bodies and state agencies. Specifically, the bill aims to curb perceived overreach by administrative agencies in rulemaking. Supporters argue that it protects small businesses by ensuring that regulations are not only necessary but also manageable, while critics may see it as a limitation on the agencies' ability to respond quickly to public needs and concerns. The requirement for fiscal impact statements is also designed to help understand the economic implications of proposed rules.
House Bill 274 focuses on reforming the administrative rulemaking process in New Hampshire. This bill emphasizes the legislative oversight needed to ensure proposed rules from state agencies adhere strictly to the scope and intent of existing laws. It introduces a requirement for agencies to provide evidence of compliance with legislative intent and allows legislative committees to deny the adoption of rules they find objectionable. The intention behind this legislative measure is to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses and ensure that rules do not exceed the framework set by state statutes.
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB274 appears to be mixed. Proponents, particularly among legislative members representing small businesses, view the bill favorably as a necessary safeguard against excessive regulation. On the other hand, there may be concerns from those who believe that increased legislative oversight could hinder the responsiveness and effectiveness of administrative agencies, particularly in urgent situations requiring regulatory input.
Contention surrounding the bill may center on the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches in the rulemaking process. Some legislative members hold the view that current practices allow agencies too much latitude, thus undermining legislative intentions. Conversely, those in favor of more streamlined processes may resist the increased oversight that HB274 entails, arguing that it complicates and delays the adoption of necessary rules that govern public interests and protections.