Resources and Conservation Committee to begin rule review next week; Fish and Game rules first

The Resources and Conservation Committee announced it will begin formal rule-review sessions next week, beginning with Fish and Game rules. Vice Chairman Shepherd told members he intends to slow the review process and give careful consideration to rule language because rules "have the same application as law."

Shepherd said staff member Ryan Bush will attend on the 21st to "briefly explain the rule process and exactly what we're doing when we're doing rules." He directed members to review page 10 of the Fish and Game rule draft, noting the bottom of that page contains red text he considers a "perfect example" of wording that appears harmless but could have wide‑reaching consequences across state lawmaking.

Committee staff also added two documents to the committee OneDrive: the Department of Environmental Quality annual report and the Rangeland Resources Commission annual report, materials members were invited to review before the rule hearings. Committee leaders said agencies that report to the committee are required at rule-review sessions to provide a performance review covering how they are meeting their charges and accomplishments; the committee will hear those reviews alongside the rules.

The committee scheduled additional rule-review days and indicated hearings will include agency presentations and opportunities for members to ask detailed questions during bill hearings and rule sessions.