The bill amends the Government Code to clarify the conditions under which certain rules proposed by state agencies may be exempt from specific procedural requirements. Notably, it removes the previous stipulation that rules must be necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of residents to be exempt. Instead, it introduces new exemptions for rules adopted by self-directed semi-independent agencies and those necessary to implement legislation, unless the legislature explicitly states otherwise.

Additionally, the bill establishes that a rule is voidable unless adopted in substantial compliance with specified sections of the Government Code, and it sets a two-year limit for individuals to contest a rule based on noncompliance with procedural requirements. The changes will only apply to rules proposed on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2001.0045, Government Code 2001.035 (Government Code 2001)