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House votes to require governor’s signature on
agency rules
Significant new state
agency rules would need the governor’s signature before they could take
effect, under a measure approved today by the House of Representatives.
Reps. Gary
Alexander and Richard DeBolt said House Bill 1276 is a
significant step toward improving accountability in state government.
“State agency rules have
the force of law. They affect people’s lives, they control how we use
our property, they affect our ability to create jobs, and they often
cost citizens and employers money,” said DeBolt, R-Chehalis. “Rules of
this substance require a greater degree of accountability than the
current system allows, when agency directors act independently of the
lawmaking process.”
The bill would require the governor’s signature on any substantive rule
that would subject violators to a penalty or sanction, affects the
standing of licenses or permits, or adopts a new policy or regulatory
program. The signature requirement would apply to rules proposed by
agencies under the direct authority of the governor, and not those with
separately elected directors.
“Each agency has specific
directives, but our elected officials are accountable for the broader
interests of citizens,” said Alexander, R-Olympia. “Requiring the
governor to sign off on new rules provides balance to our regulatory
system and gives citizens a stronger voice when new rules are proposed.”
Accountability in rulemaking has been a significant agenda item for
House Republicans, who have sought to improve the state’s regulatory
climate for citizens and employers. In addition to requiring the
governor’s signature on new rules, the 20th District lawmakers said they
also support reforms to prevent proposed rules from being adopted until
they’ve been reviewed by elected state lawmakers, as well as a measure
that would place the burden of proof on state agencies when citizens
file a legal challenge against new rules.
House Bill 1276 was
approved 93-1 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Public
Information Officer: (360) 786-7698
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