This bill amends the definitions and procedures related to rulemaking in the Administrative Procedures Act and the State Rules Act, specifically concerning the management of inmates, probationers, and parolees by the Corrections Department. It introduces new language that clarifies the definition of "agency" and "rule," ensuring that rules related to the release and management of inmates are included under the purview of the Administrative Procedures Act. The bill also specifies that the Corrections Department must adopt rules that facilitate the confinement and rehabilitation of inmates and mandates a public comment period of forty-five days prior to the adoption, amendment, or repeal of such rules.

Additionally, the bill requires the Corrections Department to publish notices of proposed rule changes in various news outlets to ensure public awareness and engagement. This includes a requirement to notify interested parties through newspapers or professional publications, as well as in all corrections facilities. The effective date for these provisions is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 12-8-2, 14-4-2, 33-2-1