LIQUOR-TECH

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chris Welch

HB 642 mandates state agencies to enhance digital accessibility, formatting, and searchability of administrative rules, benefiting the public, especially those with disabilities.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee

Summary of Bill HB 642: Relating to Administrative Rules

Bill Number: HB 642
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Status: Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 743) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN.
Classification: Bill
Subject Areas: Administrative Rules, Agencies, Digital Accessibility, Formatting, Rulemaking, Searchability

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 642 is to enhance the administrative rulemaking process by improving the accessibility, formatting, and searchability of administrative rules. This bill aims to ensure that the rules established by various state agencies are more user-friendly and accessible to the public, particularly in a digital format.

Key Provisions

Digital Accessibility: The bill mandates that all administrative rules be formatted for digital accessibility, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can easily access and understand these rules.

Improved Formatting: Agencies will be required to adopt standardized formatting for administrative rules, which will facilitate easier navigation and comprehension.

Enhanced Searchability: The bill includes provisions to improve the searchability of administrative rules online, making it simpler for users to find relevant information quickly.

Impact

Agencies Affected: The bill will directly impact state agencies responsible for creating and enforcing administrative rules. These agencies will need to implement new formatting and accessibility standards.

Public Access: The general public, including individuals with disabilities, will benefit from clearer and more accessible administrative rules, promoting transparency and understanding of governmental regulations.

Legislative Timeline

January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and passed First Reading.

January 21, 2025: Referred to the committees on JHA and FIN.

February 10, 2025: Scheduled for a hearing by the JHA committee.

February 13, 2025: JHA committee recommended the bill be passed with amendments; the vote was unanimous with 10 Ayes and 1 Excused.

February 14, 2025: Bill passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and was referred to the FIN committee.

Related Bills

SB 55: This bill serves as a companion to HB 642, likely addressing similar issues related to administrative rules and their accessibility.

This summary provides an overview of HB 642, highlighting its intent, key provisions, and the potential impact on state agencies and the public. The bill represents a significant step towards modernizing the administrative rulemaking process in a way that prioritizes accessibility and user-friendliness.