Tennessee Senate Bill SB0441

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, relative to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act.

Impact

The modification under SB0441 is expected to have significant implications for the way state agencies manage emergency rules. By mandating the distribution of proposed emergency rules to the public upon request, the bill emphasizes the importance of citizen involvement in governance. This amendment could lead to increased scrutiny of emergency rules and potentially influence how agencies formulate regulations in urgent situations, ensuring that stakeholders are kept informed and can provide feedback prior to implementation.

Summary

Senate Bill 441, also known as SB0441, is aimed at amending the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act within the Tennessee Code Annotated. The bill seeks to enhance transparency in the rule-making process by requiring administrative agencies to provide copies of proposed emergency rules to interested parties before they take effect. This change is intended to ensure that the public has access to proposed regulations, thereby improving accountability and participation in regulatory processes.

Contention

While the intent of SB0441 is to boost transparency and public access to administrative procedures, there may be points of contention surrounding its impact on the efficiency of rule-making processes, especially in times of crisis. Agencies may face challenges in expediting emergency rules if they are required to distribute information widely before enactment. As a result, there may be debates among legislators and public interest groups regarding the balance between necessary rapid responses in emergencies and the democratic principle of public involvement.