Administrative rules; creating Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; procedures; approval and disapproval. Effective date.
The implications of SB928 on state law include providing a more structured framework for rule-making agencies in Oklahoma. It will potentially reduce the time taken to approve emergency rules, requiring that such rules gain the Governor's approval based on substantial evidence indicating their necessity for public health, safety, or compliance with federal regulations. Additionally, it formalizes the requirement for agencies to include impact statements when proposing new rules, ensuring transparency and accountability in the rule-making process.
Senate Bill 928, introduced by Senator Dahm, aims to amend various sections of the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act. The bill seeks to clarify the authority of agencies in modifying administrative rules and revises the process for how rules are approved or disapproved. A significant aspect of SB928 is the establishment of a Joint Committee on Administrative Rules, which will review proposed rules and facilitate an expedited repeal process. This change is intended to streamline the administrative rule-making process within the state government.
Notably, the bill has been subject to discussion regarding the balance of power between state agencies and legislative authority. Advocates for the bill argue that it will enhance efficiency and enable quicker responses to emergencies that require urgent regulatory adjustments. Conversely, critics may view the establishment of the Joint Committee as a mechanism that could centralize power, possibly complicating the procedural landscape for agencies that may already face bureaucratic challenges. The adjustment to the rule repeal process could also raise concerns about the potential for overly rapid deregulatory actions without sufficient oversight.