HB8 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes AllenSecretary

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

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

HB 8 would tighten Alabama's rulemaking by setting a cost threshold, expanding business impact analysis, and increasing transparency in the adoption of new rules.

What This Bill Does

It sets a minimum economic impact threshold of $1,000,000 for proposed rules; if costs exceed this, the rule cannot take effect without legislative approval or a modification to降低 costs below the threshold. If the estimated impact is $750,000 or more, the Legislative Services Agency will analyze the accuracy of the fiscal note. It allows legislators or the joint committee to require a Business Economic Impact Statement and requires agencies to post proposed rules online and notify interested parties, while also providing methods to reduce costs through simpler requirements, later deadlines, and other adjustments. The bill also requires a five-year review of existing rules, and may restrict new rule adoption if the review is not completed.

Who It Affects

• Agencies proposing or amending rules: must post rule text online, notify interested parties, prepare and submit a BEIS, and seek ways to reduce the rule's economic impact to stay under the threshold.
• Businesses, residents, and the general public: will receive BEIS information and notice of proposed rules, with potential delays or modifications if costs are high, and greater transparency about how rules affect costs and benefits.

Key Provisions

• Sets a $1,000,000 threshold for a proposed rule's implementation and compliance costs; rules above this threshold cannot take effect without a joint legislative approval or a germane modification to reduce costs below the threshold.
• If the fiscal note estimates $750,000 or more in costs, the Legislative Services Agency must analyze the accuracy of the fiscal note.
• Allows any member of the Legislature or the joint committee to require a Business Economic Impact Statement for proposed rules; BEIS must estimate how many businesses are affected and the costs of compliance.
• Requires agencies to post proposed rule text online, notify interested parties, and file BEIS with the Legislative Reference Service; BEIS must be publicly accessible.
• Encourages cost-reduction options for agencies, such as less stringent requirements, extended deadlines, consolidated reporting, or performance standards instead of design standards.
• Mandates a five-year review of all existing rules; if reviews are not completed, agencies may be barred from adopting new rules during that five-year period.
• Provides an appeal path for disapproved rules through the Lieutenant Governor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Administrative Procedure