New Jersey Assembly Bill A2578

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Reduces expiration date for rules from seven years to five years and requires legislative approval for readoption of rules after five years.

Impact

The proposed bill would significantly alter how executive branch agencies operate by introducing an additional layer of legislative scrutiny to their rule-making processes. By requiring agencies to seek approval for the readoption of rules every five years, the bill aims to ensure that regulations remain relevant and are closely monitored by the legislature. Supporters argue this could lead to more accountability and prevent agencies from maintaining outdated or unnecessary rules. However, critics may express concerns that this could slow down the rule-making process and hinder timely regulatory updates that respond to changing circumstances.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2578 seeks to amend the Administrative Procedure Act by reducing the expiration period for rules adopted by state agencies from seven years to five years. This change would necessitate that any rules expiring after the enactment of the bill must receive legislative approval through the passage of a concurrent resolution in order to be readopted. In situations where the legislature does not approve the resolution, the rules would expire entirely, preventing the agency from readopting them for an additional five-year period. This updated process aims to enhance legislative oversight over state agency rule-making activities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding A2578 may include debates on the balance of power between state agencies and the legislature. Proponents of the bill suggest that by restricting the ability of agencies to renew rules without legislative input, democracy is strengthened through oversight. Conversely, opponents may argue that this requirement could lead to bureaucratic stagnation, where important rules risk expiring due to legislative inaction, ultimately impacting the regulation of matters critical to public welfare and safety. The implications of this legislation could create heated discussions about efficiency versus accountability in state governance.