Oklahoma Senate Bill SB180

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Administrative Procedures Act; clarifying scope of rulemaking authority; requiring inclusion of statutory authority with administrative rules. Effective date.

Impact

If enacted, SB180 would reinforce legislative control over administrative rulemaking, ensuring that executive agencies operate strictly within the confines of statutory authority. This could have significant implications for how administrative agencies develop rules, as it will necessitate a more careful alignment between legislative intents and administrative actions. Furthermore, the bill introduces a timeline for the inclusion of statutory authority in administrative rules, aimed at improving the governance process and ensuring legislative oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 180, proposed by Senator Bergstrom, seeks to amend specific sections of the Administrative Procedures Act in Oklahoma. The primary focus of the bill is to clarify the scope of rulemaking authority delegated by the Legislature to executive branch agencies. By requiring that administrative rules include a specific statutory authority reference within a specified time period, the bill aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of administrative actions taken by agencies. This change is to ensure that all delegated rulemaking serves to implement laws or policies that are clearly established by the Legislature.

Contention

Key points of contention may arise from the potential impact of SB180 on existing administrative procedures. Some stakeholders might express concerns regarding the additional burden on agencies to comply with the new requirements, arguing it could slow down their ability to implement necessary regulations in a timely manner. On the other hand, supporters of the bill argue that this level of oversight is essential for upholding the principles of democracy and accountability within state governance systems.