New Mexico Senate Bill SB423

New Mexico 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25

Caption

Review And Approval Of Rules

Impact

The bill significantly transforms the landscape of rulemaking within New Mexico's governance framework. By subjecting every major rule to legislative scrutiny, it aims to prevent the enactment of regulations that could inadvertently harm economic interests or create excessive bureaucratic burdens. The automatic expiration of rules five years after their adoption enforces a review system, compelling agencies to justify their regulations at regular intervals, thus refining the regulatory climate.

Summary

Senate Bill 423, introduced during the First Session of the 57th Legislature of New Mexico, emphasizes the necessity of legislative oversight and analysis regarding state agency regulations. The bill mandates the Legislative Finance Committee to conduct annual rule impact analyses for major rules proposed by state agencies, aiming to assess their potential implications, including economic impacts over $10 million. This measure seeks to enhance governmental accountability by ensuring that rules are beneficial and necessary before they are formally adopted.

Contention

While proponents argue that SB423 bolsters regulatory accountability and promotes a thorough examination of the implications of rules, there may be concerns regarding potential delays in the rulemaking process. Critics could claim the additional layer of bureaucracy may hinder agencies from promptly responding to urgent regulatory needs. Also, the requirement for a cost-benefit analysis could be seen as a barrier for agencies riddled with urgency, leading to tension between administrative efficiency and necessary oversight.