The Oklahoma House Administrative Rules Committee on Wednesday approved Senate Bill 995 which requires that the Legislature approve administrative rules of state agencies before they can go into effect. Under this legislation, if the Legislature takes no action on rules, they are considered disapproved and will not go into effect.
House Administrative Rules Committee Chair Representative Gerrid Kendrix is carrying SB 995.
“Too often, administrative rules written by unelected agency bureaucrats go into effect without any input from the people’s elected representatives,” said Kendrix. “This undermines the role of the Legislature and, by extension, the voices of our constituents. Senate Bill 995 ensures that lawmakers have the final say on new rules before they take effect. This bill provides the transparency and accountability Oklahomans deserve, and I believe the time is right to get it done.”
Currently, the Legislature can review proposed administrative rules. The body then can approve, disapprove, or take no action. If no action is taken, the Governor then can undergo the same process. If no action is taken by the Governor, then the rules go into effect.
SB 995 now heads to the House floor. If approved, it must return to the Oklahoma Senate because it was amended in the House.
