Time frame requirement for state agency regulations approved

A proposal that requires state agencies to promulgate rules and regulations within a specific time frame received final legislative approval May 19.

LB617, introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, requires that a public hearing be held on any rule or regulation to be adopted, amended or repealed pursuant to a bill within 12 months of the legislation’s effective date. The governor may extend the time frame for up to six months with good cause and the regulation process must be completed within one year of the hearing date.

An agency that does not complete the regulation process within one year will be required to submit a written explanation to the Executive Board and the legislative committee with subject matter jurisdiction over the issue.

All agencies with pending rules and regulations will be required to submit yearly reports to the Legislature’s Performance Audit Committee, including the status of any appropriations provided to the agency to carry out the regulation process.

LB617 applies only to rules and regulations adopted after its passage and only bills requiring a regulation process are subject to its provisions.

The bill passed 45-0.