Bill > HB944

This bill establishes the Legislative Economic Analysis Unit (LEAU), an independent legislative agency designed to provide comprehensive analysis of state agency rules. The unit will be governed by a board composed of the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house, six senators, and six representatives, who will jointly appoint a chief economist to lead the agency. The LEAU's primary responsibilities include analyzing state agency rules to determine if they qualify as "major rules" - defined as regulations with potential annual economic impacts of $10 million or more, significant adverse effects on competition or employment, or substantial social and cultural implications. When a major rule is identified, the unit must create a detailed regulatory impact analysis examining the rule's necessity, legal basis, alternative approaches, costs and benefits, and sources of uncertainty. The bill also introduces a sunset provision for major rules, which will automatically expire on July 1 of the odd-numbered year following their determination, unless the legislature validates them through general law. Additionally, the unit can create grant impact analyses upon request and must maintain a public website to share its findings. The bill takes effect on September 1, 2025, and initially applies only to rules adopted on or after that date.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB944