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 oversight of agency actions. It requires agencies to maintain a public rulemaking docket that includes comprehensive information about proposed rules and their statuses. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment for rules with specific notices published before May 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen legislative oversight and accountability in the rulemaking process within state government.

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