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HB 402

Public Service Commission; establishment of renewable energy sources and renewable energy portfolio standard goals for electric service providers; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Bell and 5 co-sponsors

House Bill 402 requires a Rural Impact Report on proposed legislation, ensuring rural communities, farmers, and schools are considered in legislative decisions.

House Withdrawn, Recommitted
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Bill Summary · HB 402

Summary of House Bill 402: Rural Impact Report Requirement

Bill Number: HB 402
Title: Legislative Services Agency; complete a Rural Impact Report on legislation if requested
Status: Currently Indefinitely Postponed
Introduced: March 06, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Legislature

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 402, also known as the Reviewing Urban-Rural Asymmetries in Legislation (RURAL) Act, aims to ensure that proposed legislation is thoroughly evaluated for its potential effects on rural communities, agricultural stakeholders, and rural school districts. The bill seeks to promote informed decision-making and transparency in the legislative process by requiring the Legislative Services Agency to conduct a Rural Impact Report upon request from any legislator.

Key Provisions

  1. Request Process:

    • Any member of the Legislature can submit a formal request for a Rural Impact Report on any bill introduced during a legislative session.
    • Requests are directed to the Legislative Services Agency, which is responsible for conducting the assessment.

  2. Contents of the Rural Impact Report:
    The report must include:

    • An analysis of the bill's direct and indirect effects on rural communities, including economic, social, and regulatory impacts.
    • A specific assessment of the potential consequences for farmers and agricultural businesses.
    • A localized breakdown of effects by legislative district and affected rural communities.
    • A comparative analysis of the bill's projected impact on rural districts versus suburban and urban districts.
    • An assessment of the bill's impact on rural school districts, covering aspects such as funding, enrollment shifts, access to resources, and potential school closures.
    • Identification of potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences of the proposed legislation.

  3. Data Sources:

    • Reports must incorporate data from relevant agencies, industry experts, education officials, and rural stakeholders to ensure accuracy.

  4. Timeline for Completion:

    • The Legislative Services Agency is required to complete the report within 30 days of receiving a valid request.
    • If additional time is needed, the agency must notify the requesting legislator with an estimated completion date.

  5. Public Availability:

    • Completed Rural Impact Reports will be made publicly available on the official website of the Legislature.
    • Copies will also be provided to the requesting legislator, relevant legislative committees, and rural stakeholder organizations upon request.

Impact

  • Who is Affected:

    • Rural communities, farmers, agricultural businesses, and rural school districts will be directly impacted by the assessments provided in the Rural Impact Reports.
    • Legislators will have access to comprehensive analyses that can inform their decisions on proposed legislation.

  • Financial Implications:

    • The bill could increase the obligations of the Legislative Services Agency, depending on the costs associated with additional staff or software needed to fulfill the requirements of the bill.

Procedural Timeline

  • Introduced: March 06, 2025
  • Reported Out of Committee: April 09, 2025
  • Indefinitely Postponed: May 06, 2025
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the provisions of this act would become effective on October 1, 2025.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 402, outlining its purpose, key provisions, potential impacts, and procedural aspects.

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

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