Bill Description: House Bill 217 would implement sunset provisions for administrative rules on a staggered, 8-year cycle.

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Does it in any way restrict public access to information related to government activity or otherwise compromise government transparency, accountability, or election integrity? Conversely, does it increase public access to information related to government activity or increase government transparency, accountability, or election integrity?

House Bill 217 would amend Section 67-5292, Idaho Code, which calls for the Legislature to periodically review administrative rules, and it also would implement sunset provisions for administrative rules on a staggered, 8-year cycle. 

It would require agencies that wish to re-promulgate sunsetting rules to "prepare a statement for the legislature that states the statute or federal regulation the rule is intended to implement and whether the substantive content in the rule chapter is still necessary and, if so, the rationale for such determination and any evidence to justify its benefits relative to its costs."

Additionally, the agency will be required to consider "the expected cost to the agency to monitor and enforce the substance of the rule."

These requirements should provide an opportunity for additional transparency and legislative oversight, although the extent to which the agencies or the Legislature would take advantage of that opportunity is unknown. 

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