The passage of SB1023 could significantly impact the way state agencies adopt regulations, as it requires past rules to be approved by the legislature. The new requirement for legislative involvement in rule adoption may extend the time required to implement new regulations, ensuring a more thorough review process. Additionally, this legislation introduces restrictions on agencies' ability to resubmit disapproved rules except within a limited timeframe, thereby limiting repetitive regulatory changes.
Summary
Senate Bill 1023 introduces amendments to the Administrative Procedures Act of Oklahoma by mandating legislative approval for proposed permanent rules. The bill states that upon receiving any proposed rules, both the Speaker of the House and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate will assign these rules to relevant legislative committees for review. This change is aimed at enhancing legislative oversight over regulatory processes by specifying timelines within which these proposals must be reviewed and acted upon.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB1023 involve concerns about the balance of power between state legislators and regulatory agencies. Proponents of the bill argue that requiring legislative approval increases transparency and accountability in the rule-making process. However, critics fear that this additional layer of approval may hinder swift responses to emerging needs or crises, potentially delaying important regulations and exacerbating issues that agencies are equipped to handle more efficiently.
Administrative rules; creating the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2025; requiring Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency to conduct certain analyses. Effective date.
Administrative rules; providing for termination of permanent administrative rules subject to certain schedule; providing for renewal process. Effective date. Emergency.
Administrative Procedures Act; agency rules; requiring specific and explicit state law authorization; Attorney General review; legislative review; agency review; compliance; effective date.