Assembly Bill 274 proposes significant changes to the Wisconsin Administrative Code by instituting a seven-year expiration period for each chapter unless the chapter is readopted by the relevant agency. Currently, administrative rules remain in effect indefinitely unless repealed or amended. The bill mandates that agencies notify the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules (JCRAR) and appropriate standing committees of their intention to readopt a chapter one year before its expiration. If no objections are raised, the chapter is automatically readopted; however, if there are objections, the chapter will expire unless the agency follows the standard rule-making process to readopt it. Additionally, JCRAR is tasked with establishing a schedule for the expiration of existing code chapters.

The bill also includes provisions to ensure that agencies avoid using outdated or derogatory language in their rules. It amends existing statutes to clarify the readoption process and introduces new sections that outline the requirements for submitting readoption notices and the legislative review process. Notably, it creates new statutory language regarding the expiration and readoption of rules, including the establishment of a manual by the legislative council staff to guide agencies in drafting and promulgating rules. Overall, this bill aims to enhance accountability and ensure that administrative rules remain relevant and up-to-date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 227.114(2)(intro.), 227.114, 227.14(6)(c)1.(intro.), 227.14, 227.15(7), 227.15