This bill designates Coos County as a "distressed place-based economy," recognizing the county's significant economic challenges, including high rates of poverty and unemployment. To address these issues, the bill mandates that commissioners of state agencies consult with Coos County commissioners before making regulatory decisions that could impact the county's economy. The intent is to foster collaborative regulatory approaches that consider the unique characteristics of Coos County, thereby promoting economic growth and sustainability through public-private partnerships and tailored decision-making.

The bill introduces a new chapter, Chapter 162-U, into the existing law, which defines key terms such as "place-based economy" and "distressed." It outlines the regulatory principles that state agency commissioners must follow, emphasizing the need for input from local government to avoid unintended economic consequences. Additionally, the bill specifies that agency decisions should consider potential impacts on the regional economy and local development plans, requiring justifications and mitigation measures if negative effects are unavoidable. The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, but it is expected to lead to indeterminable increases in expenditures for various state departments as they adapt to the new requirements.