Administrative Procedures Act; amend to require notice of proposed rule to include cost.
Impact
Should HB868 pass, it would significantly affect how state agencies develop and communicate new rules. Agencies would be forced to conduct thorough economic evaluations prior to rule adoption, which could lead to more informed legislative decisions. The new requirement to provide cost estimates would enable legislators to assess the financial burden or benefits to the state, potentially leading to improved budgetary planning tied to new regulations.
Summary
House Bill 868 seeks to amend the Mississippi Administrative Procedures Act by requiring that notices of proposed rule adoptions contain specific information about the estimated costs that such rules would incur for the state. This includes a detailed explanation of the purpose behind the proposed rule and an economic impact statement that outlines financial implications arising from the proposal. By adding these requirements, the bill aims to enhance the transparency of the rule adoption process and better inform lawmakers regarding the economic ramifications of their decisions.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding this bill as some stakeholders might argue that the added layer of requirements could delay the rule-making process. Opponents might contend that not all proposed rules require an extensive economic analysis, especially those that pertain to non-controversial or minor amendments. Furthermore, there could be concerns that this added rigor might discourage agencies from pursuing necessary regulatory actions due to increased administrative burdens.