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House Agriculture Committee outlines rules schedule, welcomes science fellow
Summary
Committee members reviewed the rules-review schedule, discussed the nature of negotiated rulemaking and 0-based regulation, and the committee was introduced to Dr. Ellen Upton, an Idaho science and technology policy fellow attached to the Legislative Services Office.
The Idaho House Agriculture Committee reviewed its rules-review schedule and the process for reviewing agency rules, and members were introduced to Dr. Ellen Upton, the committee’s new Idaho science and technology policy fellow assigned to the Legislative Services Office (LSO).
Representative Raymond briefed the committee on the rules-review process, stressing that rules adopted by agencies have the force of law and should reflect the original legislative intent. “Rules have the same effect as law,” Raymond said, and committee members were urged to examine strikeouts and additions carefully as part of the fourth year of the state’s 0-based regulation effort.
Nut graf: The committee will begin detailed review of its assigned rule dockets starting next Monday, convene again Wednesday the 22nd to hear some out-of-state Department of Agriculture staff, and hopes to finish the review on the 30th. Raymond told members the packet provided by the deputy director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture outlines the basis for each docket and the history of negotiated rulemaking opportunities.
Raymond and other members explained negotiated rulemaking as the process in which agencies solicit public input after legislation is passed; some rule dockets arise directly from legislation enacted last year. He identified several specific dockets the committee will encounter, including rules related to wolf and grizzly depredation, chemigation, and a fee rule for the state Veterinarians association. Raymond said most dockets have a multi-year history while some are newly required by recent law.
After the scheduling discussion, committee members were introduced to Dr. Ellen Upton, who described herself as a recent Ph.D. in biomedical science with a focus in immunology and said she is available to assist the committee with scientific and policy research. “If there are any questions you have about what other states are doing or legislative histories ... I’m happy to look through some research for you,” Dr. Upton said, and she noted her office work will be coordinated through LSO.
Ending: The committee plans to meet next Monday to begin the docket review and will announce hearing agendas and supporting materials in advance; staff said rule documents would be uploaded to the committee shared drive when available.
