Oklahoma Senate Bill SB22

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Agency operations; procedures for federal rule and regulation review. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB 22 is likely to lead to significant changes in state law regarding the interaction between federal and state regulation. By allowing the Legislature to disapprove federal rules, the bill seeks to curtail perceived federal overreach, reinforcing state autonomy. This legislation may create a more streamlined and efficient process for managing state compliance with federal regulations while potentially delaying or complicating the implementation of crucial federal measures. The bill's language indicates that any federal rule disapproved by the Legislature will not be effective, reinforcing the notion of state sovereignty.

Summary

Senate Bill 22 aims to reform the way state agencies handle federal regulations. It establishes a procedure that requires state agencies to inform the Legislature and the Governor whenever new federal rules or changes to existing federal rules are introduced. This communication is intended to ensure that lawmakers can review and potentially disapprove these federal mandates, thus exerting greater control over state agency operations. The bill's provision for legislative disapproval is particularly significant as it empowers the Legislature to reject federal rules, impacting how state agencies function in relation to federal requirements.

Contention

Despite its intention to bolster state power, SB 22 has been met with contention. Critics argue that it risks leaving state agencies without necessary guidance on critical issues, particularly those requiring compliance with existing federal laws that protect public interests such as health and safety. There are concerns that the disapproval process could lead to inaction in response to urgent federal mandates, subsequently jeopardizing the state's ability to respond effectively to federal regulations addressing pressing concerns. Supporters, however, maintain that the bill allows for a more measured and representative approach to how state laws adapt to federal directives.