Administrative rules-independent review and analysis.
Impact
If passed, HB0312 would fundamentally change the administrative rulemaking process in Wyoming. By requiring rigorous compliance checks and cost-benefit analyses, the bill emphasizes accountability and an evidence-based approach to regulation. The legislation promotes a systematic review process that mandates all agencies to submit an annual regulatory plan, enhancing transparency and allowing stakeholders an opportunity to engage meaningfully in the rulemaking process. This could lead to more efficient regulations that reflect current needs and constraints.
Summary
House Bill 0312 aims to establish a Regulatory Review Office within the office of the governor. This office is responsible for overseeing the promulgation and review of all state administrative rules. A key focus of the bill is to ensure that rules formulated or adopted by various agencies comply with established procedures and maintain consistency across all agencies. Central to the office's function is conducting cost-benefit analyses for each rule, ensuring that economic impacts are evaluated prior to any rules becoming effective.
Contention
Despite its intentions, the bill may encounter resistance from those who believe that increased oversight could stifle the agility of state agencies. Critics may argue that the necessity of performing cost-benefit analyses and systematic reviews adds additional layers of bureaucracy that could delay critical regulatory adaptations. Moreover, the concern exists around the potential overreach of the governor’s office in agency rulemaking, raising questions about the balance of power and the preservation of agency autonomy.
Future_considerations
HB0312 specifically outlines that these measures will take effect on July 1, 2025, which allows for the establishment of the Regulatory Review Office and necessary preparations for its operations. Observers will be keen to assess how these new requirements influence the regulatory landscape in Wyoming and whether the framework provided by the bill achieves its intended objectives of promoting effective governance while safeguarding necessary regulatory flexibility.