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SB 995

Administrative Procedures Act; proposed permanent rules; requiring legislative approval for final rule adoption. Emergency.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Micheal Bergstrom and 1 co-sponsor

SB 995 requires Oklahoma legislative approval for all state agency permanent rules, shifting regulatory authority from agencies to lawmakers and potentially delaying policy implementation.

Becomes law without Governor's signature 05/26/2025
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 995

Legislative bill overview

SB 995 modifies Oklahoma's Administrative Procedures Act to require legislative approval before state agencies can adopt permanent rules. Previously, agencies could implement final rules through an administrative process. This bill adds a legislative veto mechanism, giving lawmakers direct oversight of agency rulemaking.

Why is this important

This fundamentally shifts power from executive agencies to the legislature over regulatory policy. Agencies that previously could finalize rules independently now need legislative sign-off, potentially slowing regulatory implementation and increasing political influence over administrative decisions that affect businesses, workers, and the public.

Potential points of contention

  • Legislative workload vs. efficiency: The legislature may lack capacity to review hundreds of proposed rules, creating bottlenecks that delay necessary regulations on healthcare, environment, worker safety, and consumer protection
  • Accountability concerns: Supporters argue this increases democratic accountability; critics counter that unelected legislators substituting judgment for expert agency staff may produce less informed policy
  • Separation of powers debate: Whether this appropriately constrains executive overreach or unconstitutionally undermines constitutionally-vested executive authority to implement laws

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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