The bill proposes significant amendments to the "Administrative Procedure Act" aimed at enhancing transparency and public participation in the rule-making process by state agencies. Key provisions include the requirement for agencies to publish all public comments and data used in formulating proposed rules on their websites, as well as extending the public comment period from 30 to 60 days. Agencies must also file a notice of intent for rulemaking at least 90 days prior to formal proposals, detailing how the public can engage in the process. Additionally, the bill mandates that each rule proposal focus on a single object, prohibits bundling of unrelated proposals, and requires socio-economic impact statements to include dollar estimates of the proposed rule's effects.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a requirement for agencies to conduct a conformity analysis before continuing an expiring rule for an additional seven years, ensuring that the rule does not conflict with other regulations. The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) is directed to maintain an updated online database of rulemaking actions, including all public comments and data. The bill also establishes specific timelines for administrative law judges to file recommended reports and decisions in contested cases, ensuring timely resolution. Lastly, if an agency's rejection or modification of an administrative law judge's decision is overturned in court, the agency will be liable for the plaintiff's attorneys' fees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:14B-3, 52:14B-4, 52:14B-5.1, 52:14B-7.1, 52:14B-10