SB 486 amends the Administrative Procedure Act to enhance clarity, transparency, and efficiency in agency rulemaking and legislative oversight. Key changes include the updated definition of "declaratory ruling" to specify its relevance to statutory provisions, rules, or orders of the agency, and the expansion of the term "file" to include the receipt of documents by the director of the division of administrative rules. The bill also revises the definition of "final legislative action" by removing references to the legislative committee on administrative rules and updates the "fiscal impact statement" to require consideration of both short- and long-term fiscal consequences. Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies provide notice of their intent to undertake rulemaking at least 20 days prior to the first public hearing and includes specific information that must be included in the notice.

Further amendments streamline the rulemaking process by clarifying the responsibilities of the joint legislative committee on administrative rules, requiring monthly meetings, and allowing public hearings on proposed rules. The bill also establishes clear timelines for public comment, mandates the publication of a weekly rulemaking register, and allows for virtual or hybrid public comment hearings. Agencies are required to provide access to documents incorporated by reference and must notify the public of any changes in hearing dates or locations. Overall, SB 486 aims to improve public participation in the rulemaking process while ensuring that agencies adhere to established legal standards and maintain accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 541-A:1, 541-A:2, 541-A:3-a, 541-A:4, 541-A:5, 541-A:6, 541-A:8, 541-A:9, 541-A:10, 541-A:11, 541-A:12, 541-A:14, 541-A:14-a, 541-A:15, 541-A:16, 541-A:17, 541-A:18, 541-A:19, 541-A:19-a, 541-A:19-b, 541-A:19-d, 541-A:20-a, 541-A:23, 541-A:40
SB486 text: 541-A:1, 541-A:2, 541-A:3-a, 541-A:4, 541-A:5, 541-A:6, 541-A:8, 541-A:9, 541-A:10, 541-A:11, 541-A:12, 541-A:14, 541-A:14-a, 541-A:15, 541-A:16, 541-A:17, 541-A:18, 541-A:19, 541-A:19-a, 541-A:19-b, 541-A:19-c, 541-A:19-d, 541-A:20-a, 541-A:23, 541-A:40