Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rulemaking Reform topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears bipartisan plan to boost legislative oversight of agency rulemaking
Summary
House Bill 592 would require clearer notice, small‑business impact analyses and more sponsor involvement during agency rule drafting. The executive branch supported the bill as a state-level reform that goes beyond federal REINS proposals.
HELENA — Lawmakers considered House Bill 592, a multi‑branch proposal to add sponsor engagement, transparent notice and economic analysis to Montana’s administrative‑rule process.
Sponsor Representative Courtney Springer described the bill as a modernization of the Montana Administrative Procedures Act (MAPA) and said it clarifies both the sponsor’s role and the public’s ability to participate. “This bill clarifies and strengthens MAPA for everyone involved,” Springer said.
The administration, represented by Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson, endorsed the bill and framed it as a state version of the federal REINS concept. “Administrative rulemaking is a complete goat rope,” Commissioner Swanson told the committee and said the bill strengthens front‑end sponsor input and requires small‑business impact assessments for every proposed rule.
Supporters argued the measure would reduce surprise regulatory costs and improve public engagement. Transportation Director Craig Dorrington added that the proposal would reduce the risk that complex rule packages end up imperfectly specified and litigated after adoption.
Critics did not appear in force; business groups such as the Montana Chamber and libertarian advocates (Americans for Prosperity) supported the bill’s transparency and economic‑impact elements. Agency staff described operational implications and noted the agencies already produce fiscal analyses but welcomed clearer processes for sponsor consultation and legislative review.
Ending: Sponsors and administration officials said the bill would require implementation details from the budget office and agency economists; no vote was recorded in the excerpt.
