The bill amends the Administrative Procedures Act of 1969 by updating sections 32 and 45 to enhance the rule-making process and ensure compliance with federal standards. Key insertions include provisions that require agencies to adopt rules that are not more stringent than federal standards unless there is a clear and convincing need to do so. Additionally, the bill specifies that if an agency adopts rules that exceed federal standards, it must provide a detailed explanation of the exceptional circumstances justifying this decision. The amendments also clarify that guidelines and operational memoranda are advisory and cannot be enforced as law.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that agencies electronically submit proposed rules and regulatory impact statements to the legislative service bureau for certification, ensuring transparency and accountability in the rule-making process. It emphasizes the importance of public involvement by requiring agencies to prepare reports summarizing public comments and any changes made to proposed rules after public hearings. The bill also includes provisions for the timely transmission of regulatory impact statements and other relevant documents to legislative committees, thereby streamlining the review process and enhancing legislative oversight of agency rules.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 24.232, 24.245