This bill amends the Administrative Procedure Act in Nebraska to enhance public participation in the rule-making process. It requires agencies to actively solicit public comments on proposed rules or regulations before their publication, ensuring that individuals can submit their opinions or documentation electronically or by mail without needing to travel to a specific location. The bill also establishes that agencies must allow for public submissions during the consideration of rule proposals, thereby promoting transparency and engagement.

Additionally, the bill modifies the process for challenging the validity of rules or regulations by allowing petitions for declaratory judgments to be filed in any appropriate county court, rather than being restricted to the district court of Lancaster County. It specifies the venues where such petitions can be filed, including the county of the petitioner's residence or principal place of business, and prohibits agencies from restricting venue in violation of these provisions. The bill aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking to contest agency rules while ensuring that their legal rights are protected.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 84-906.02, 84-911