This bill amends the Administrative Procedure Act in Minnesota to enhance the requirements for statutory authorization of agency rules. Key changes include the stipulation that a requirement in an agency guidance document is not considered a rule unless it follows the proper adoption procedures. Additionally, the bill rescinds the governor's authority to authorize rules during emergencies, ensuring that agencies can only adopt rules based on existing statutory authority. The bill also emphasizes the need for agencies to provide a detailed statement of need and reasonableness for proposed rules, including an assessment of costs and alternatives, and mandates that the official rulemaking record includes the statutory authority for each rule.

Furthermore, the bill establishes that courts will not defer to agency interpretations of rules during judicial reviews, thereby increasing judicial scrutiny of agency actions. It also requires that any electronic or printed publication of a rule must identify the statutory authority for that rule. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment, specifically for rules with notices published before May 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legislative oversight of agency rulemaking and ensure that rules are grounded in clear statutory authority.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 14.02, 14.05, 14.131, 14.365, 14.366, 14.37, 14.44, 14.69, 12.21