SB361 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Administrative procedures, minimum threshold for a proposed rule's economic impact set, measures to reduce cost of proposed rules, Secs. 41-22-5.1, 41-22-5.2, 41-22-23 am'd.

Summary

SB 361 would raise the bar for how much a proposed state rule could cost, require cost-cutting options and public cost analyses, and give the Legislature power to approve or modify costly rules.

What This Bill Does

It sets a $1 million economic impact threshold for proposed rules, and if costs exceed this, the rule cannot take effect unless the Legislature approves it or the rule is modified to bring costs below the threshold. If the estimated costs reach $750,000 or more, the Legislative Services Agency will analyze the accuracy of the fiscal note. The bill expands use of Business Economic Impact Statements (BEIS) and lets any legislator or the joint committee request one; agencies must post proposed rules and notify the public, and must consider cost-reduction options such as simpler requirements or extended deadlines.

Who It Affects

• Businesses in Alabama that would be affected by proposed agency rules, who would gain more information about costs through BEIS and could benefit if high-cost rules are modified or blocked.
• State agencies proposing new rules and the Alabama Legislature, which must prepare BEIS, post notices, and potentially approve or require modifications to rules with large economic impact.

Key Provisions

• Creates The Red Tape Reduction Act, requiring agencies to post proposed rules online and electronically notify interested parties.
• Imposes a $1,000,000 threshold on implementation and compliance costs for proposed rules; rules exceeding this must receive legislative approval or be modified to reduce costs below the threshold.
• If BEIS estimates costs of $750,000 or more, the Legislative Services Agency must analyze the accuracy of the fiscal note.
• Allows any legislator or the joint committee to require an agency to prepare and submit a BEIS.
• Requires agencies to include a BEIS with proposed rules, detailing cost impacts, benefits, effects on competition, living costs, employment, revenue, and environmental/health effects, among other items.
• Sets criteria for cost-reduction options (e.g., less stringent requirements, longer deadlines, consolidation, and performance standards) to bring costs below the threshold.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Administrative Procedure