The bill amends the State Rules Act to require state agencies to hold additional public comment periods when substantial changes are made to proposed rules. A "substantial change" is defined as any alteration that affects the meaning or effect of a regulatory provision of the rule. When such a change occurs, the agency must provide a twenty-one-day public comment period, during which individuals can submit their feedback in written or electronic formats. The agency is also required to publish a notice in the New Mexico Register detailing the changes and the public comment period, including a summary of the changes, technical information related to the changes, and instructions on how to comment.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the notice must include information on how to obtain a copy of the proposed rule and an internet link for free access to the full text. While a substantial change does not necessitate an additional public rule hearing, the agency must consider all comments submitted during the designated period. The bill also allows agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing records in non-electronic formats but prohibits fees for electronic records.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 14-4-2