The bill amends the Administrative Procedures Act of 1969 by updating sections 32 and 45 to enhance the rule-making process for state agencies. Key provisions include the requirement that rules must not discriminate against any person and that violations of rules can only be classified as crimes if specified by statute. Additionally, the bill introduces new subsections that restrict agencies from adopting rules that are more stringent than federal standards unless there is a clear and convincing need to do so. It also clarifies that guidelines and operational memoranda are advisory and cannot be used to enforce agency decisions subject to judicial review.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that agencies electronically submit proposed rules for certification and prepare comprehensive reports that include public comments and regulatory impact statements before formal adoption. The regulatory impact statements must detail comparisons with federal standards and justify any more stringent rules. The bill also emphasizes the importance of involving small businesses in the rule-making process and requires agencies to provide detailed analyses of the economic impacts of proposed rules. Overall, these amendments aim to improve transparency, accountability, and fairness in the administrative rule-making process in Michigan.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 24.232, 24.245
As Passed by the House: 24.232, 24.245