GOP Lawmakers Seek Authority to Overhaul Agency Regulations

A proposed Republican bill in Arizona seeks to alter the composition and responsibilities of the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC), which is set to expire at the end of the year without legislative renewal. The GRRC plays a crucial role in reviewing state agency rules for clarity, compliance, and economic impact.

Representative Walt Blackman of Snowflake sponsored the bill, aiming to keep the council operational while also enacting significant changes. Presently, under the proposed legislation, the council would shift from being under full control of Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs to allowing legislative leaders to appoint half of its members.

Blackman emphasized the bill’s objective is not partisan but rather about enhancing the council’s efficiency. “My mindset was, what can we do to help this committee or this organization to be able to perform the way they’re supposed to perform,” he stated.

The GRRC, established in 1981 and currently housed under the Department of Administration, reviews rules from nearly all state agencies, with some exceptions like the Arizona Corporation Commission. The council also evaluates existing rules for potential amendments or repeals, having reportedly improved or eliminated 677 rules in the last fiscal year alone.

Under the new proposal, the governor would appoint only three members of the GRRC, losing control over the appointment of half the council, which would be shared with the legislative leadership. Furthermore, the current chair of GRRC must not serve as the general counsel of the Department of Administration, addressing potential conflicts of interest.

Blackman argues that this restructuring offers legislators a vital role in the rulemaking process since they are responsible for the laws that agencies operate under. Will Humble, former director of the Department of Health Services, supports this perspective, noting the need for checks and balances between legislative and executive branches.

The bill also mandates a more thorough review of proposed rules to ensure they align with constitutional requirements, addressing longstanding concerns among Republicans about GRRC’s adherence to legislative intent.

Public input remains a significant component of GRRC’s function, with citizens able to petition for reviews if they believe rules violate legal rights. In addition to this, Blackman’s proposal enhances transparency by requiring more rigorous documentation and equal public comment time for proponents and opponents of proposed rules.

While Humble expressed concerns about the potential additional workload on GRRC members, he noted that increasing their compensation could help attract committed individuals to the council. Blackman concurred that both increased compensation and staff support are necessary to fulfill the council’s expanded responsibilities.

As the bill progresses through the Legislature, it will face challenges in both the House and Senate and requires approval from Governor Hobbs, who has yet to comment on the proposal. The legislative process continues as amendments may still be made based on ongoing discussions among lawmakers.