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 stipulates 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 there is an imminent peril to public health, safety, or welfare, states the reasons for this finding in writing, and informs the governor of its intent to adopt the rule.

Additionally, the bill reduces the maximum duration of an emergency rule from 120 days to 60 days, with a single renewal allowed for up to 30 days. However, it introduces a requirement that a public hearing with a comment period must be held before any renewal of an emergency rule can take place. The changes apply only to emergency rules proposed on or after the effective date of the Act, 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)