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SB 401

Prohibit definitions in administrative rules

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dennis Lenz

SB 401 prohibits state agencies from defining terms in administrative rules, requiring definitions only through legislation, potentially slowing regulatory updates and increasing legislative workload.

(S) Died in Process
#legislature #stategovernment #administrativerules
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Bill Summary · SB 401

Legislative bill overview

SB 401 would prohibit state agencies from including definitions in their administrative rules, requiring such definitions to be established only through statute instead. The bill restricts regulatory agencies' authority to define terms used in the rules they create and enforce, potentially requiring legislative action for clarifications that agencies currently handle through rulemaking.

Why is this important

Administrative rules are how agencies implement laws passed by the legislature. Definitions in those rules clarify what regulations actually mean and how they apply. Removing this definitional authority could slow regulatory processes, create inconsistencies between statutes and enforcement, or require the legislature to handle technical clarifications it traditionally delegates to subject-matter experts in agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory efficiency: Agencies may lack the flexibility to update definitions to address new circumstances, technological changes, or unforeseen implementation issues without returning to the legislature
  • Legislative workload: The legislature would need to address more routine technical matters, potentially slowing the lawmaking process for substantive policy changes
  • Regulatory clarity: Uncertainty about which definitions are valid could create litigation risks and inconsistent enforcement across agencies, affecting businesses and regulated parties

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

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