This bill establishes the Legislative Economic Analysis Unit within the Nebraska Legislature to provide independent economic analysis and information to support legislative oversight. It defines "major rule or regulation" as those likely to have significant economic impacts or adverse effects on competition and employment. The Chief Economist, appointed by the Speaker of the Legislature, will lead the unit, which is responsible for conducting regulatory impact analyses, assessing existing regulations, and evaluating significant external grants. The bill also sets procedural requirements for agencies submitting rules, including public notice and detailed economic reports, and stipulates that major rules cannot be published without legislative approval.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for state agencies to request emergency rules or regulations, requiring a written justification for the necessity of such rules. It introduces new requirements for the Governor's approval, including a statement explaining the emergency's nature and compliance with relevant laws. While agencies can use the emergency rule procedure, they cannot do so to bypass timely rule adoption. The bill also repeals outdated sections of the law and maintains that rules adopted under this section are exempt from certain notice and hearing requirements, valid for up to ninety days with a possibility of renewal, and must be published on agency websites.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84-901, 84-901.04