The bill amends Section 2001.034 of the Government Code to establish new guidelines for the adoption and renewal of emergency rules by state agencies. It specifies that a state agency can only adopt an emergency rule during a period when a state of emergency or disaster declaration by the governor is in effect. The bill allows for the adoption of emergency rules without prior notice or with abbreviated notice, provided the agency finds that an imminent peril to public health, safety, or welfare necessitates such action. Additionally, the agency must document its reasons for this finding and inform the governor of its intent to adopt the rule.

Furthermore, the bill reduces the maximum duration of an emergency rule from 120 days to 60 days and allows for a single renewal of up to 30 days, with the stipulation that a public hearing and comment period must be held before any renewal can occur. This change aims to enhance transparency and public involvement in the emergency rule-making process. The provisions of the bill will apply only to emergency rules proposed after its effective date, while rules proposed before that date will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 2001.034 (Government Code 2001)