Szabo’s Regulatory Analysis Bill Passes Economic and Business Development Committee

DENVER—A bill which increases transparency and government accountability passed the House Economic and Business Development committee today 7-5, with one excused vote.

House Bill 1007, sponsored by Rep. Libby Szabo, strengthens the evaluation process for new rules by requiring state agencies to issue a regulatory analysis of proposed changes prior to a rulemaking hearing.

“This bill is all about good government,” said Szabo, R-Arvada. “Every state agency should consider the full impact of any proposed rule change before it’s adopted. In today’s economy, it’s too costly not to. This bill ensures they do.”

Analyses made under Szabo’s measure would have to include the expected impact of the rule change on jobs in Colorado and whether or not it can be implemented within existing appropriations.

“Far too often, we see agency rules adopted in Colorado that create costly administrative burdens on Colorado companies,” commented Loren Furman, of the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry. “It goes without saying that state agencies should be more vigilant of this rulemaking process. HB 1007 ensures they fulfill this responsibility.”

Currently, rule change analyses are only provided upon request. HB 1007 expands this evaluation process by requiring one for every proposed rule change.

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