The bill amends Section 42-35-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-35, which pertains to "Administrative Procedures." It introduces new requirements for the filing and effectiveness of final rules by agencies. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no rule can become final unless it is approved by the General Assembly after the agency's last rulemaking action and prior to its filing with the Secretary of State, with a deadline set for December 31 of the year the rule is promulgated.

The bill also maintains that the Secretary of State must certify the filing of each final rule and may reject any that do not adhere to the standardized format or other requirements. Additionally, it outlines the necessary components that must accompany a final rule when filed, including the date signed by the agency head, statutory authority references, and an effective date. It specifies that rules will generally take effect twenty days after filing, with exceptions for emergency rules and direct final rules. The Secretary of State is tasked with maintaining a permanent register of all filed rules and providing copies upon request. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5085: 42-35-4