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HB 2563

Modifies the duties of the secretary of state in relation to administrative rules

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Keathley

HB 2563 lets the Missouri Secretary of State make limited non-substantive edits to regulatory text and cross-references without full rule re-promulgation.

Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 11 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0
#administrativerules #secretaryofstate
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Bill Summary · HB 2563

Summary of HB 2563 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

  • The bill modifies the duties of the Secretary of State (SOS) with respect to administrative rules.
  • Specifically, it expands the Secretary of State’s authority to make certain non-substantive edits to the Code of State Regulations and to rule publications, aimed at keeping regulatory text accurate and up-to-date.
  • The overarching aim is to improve efficiency by avoiding delays caused by having to correct or re-pass rules for minor editorial errors or references.

Key provisions

  1. 536.032 (as enacted in HB 2563)

    • The SOS, upon a joint filing by a state agency and the SOS, and after publication in the Missouri Register, may make nonsubstantive changes to:
      • Update department or division names in the code
      • Update changes in state agency addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, or website addresses
      • Change intersectional references (as amended by the bill)
    • This authority arises in response to statutory changes or executive orders, and to address changes in agency information (and, now, intersectional references).

  2. 536.033 (as enacted in HB 2563)

    • Public access and fees
      • Copies or subscriptions of the Missouri Register or the Code of State Regulations remain available to the public for a reasonable charge set by the SOS, not exceeding actual publishing and delivery costs.
      • All fees collected from the sale of the Missouri Register or the Code are deposited to general revenue.
    • Corrections authority
      • The SOS may correct typographical or spelling errors or intersectional references in the publication of any rule, notice of proposed rulemaking, or order of rulemaking.

Note: The bill’s explanation indicates that “intersectional references” refer to cross-references within the regulatory text (e.g., references to other rules, sections, or agencies).

Who/what is affected

  • State agencies and the Secretary of State:
    • Agencies can initiate a request for non-substantive edits; the SOS can perform updates upon joint filing and publication.
  • Public stakeholders:
    • Individuals, businesses, and legal practitioners relying on accurate, up-to-date regulatory texts and notices.
  • Administrative record and rule publications:
    • Editorial corrections and cross-reference updates will occur without requiring full rule re-promulgation for minor edits.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The changes must be requested jointly by a state agency and the SOS and published in the Missouri Register before the SOS makes the non-substantive edits.
  • The edits apply to the Code of State Regulations and to publications relating to rules, proposed rulemakings, or rulemakings orders.
  • Public access provisions (fees and availability) remain aligned with current practice, with costs capped at actual publishing/delivery costs and deposits to general revenue.

Fiscal impact

  • The fiscal note indicates no net impact to general revenue, state funds, federal funds, or local funds across FY 2027–FY 2029.
  • Estimated impact on staffing (FTE) is zero.
  • The Office of the Secretary of State notes a small ongoing cost (outlay under $5,000) for administrative rules operations, but foresees no need for additional funding beyond core budget, though it reserves the right to request funding if cumulative workload from multiple bills becomes substantial.

Legislative status and public input

  • Committee: Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Status: Passed the committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation (12-0). Final action in the House indicated by the action history (as of the provided documents).
  • Supporters: Generally proponents argue the bill improves efficiency by reducing delays caused by minor editorial corrections.
  • Opponents: None voiced in committee; there are public witness forms raising general concerns about non-substantive edits, but not directed specifically at HB 2563 in the provided materials.

Practical takeaway

HB 2563 would empower the Missouri Secretary of State to make limited, non-substantive corrections to regulatory text, including cross-references, in response to statutory changes or agency updates, without requiring full rule re-promulgation. The measure seeks to streamline administrative rule maintenance while preserving the integrity of regulatory text and ensuring public access to current regulations.

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

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