Bill > LB664

This bill modifies the Administrative Procedure Act to enhance public participation in rulemaking and provide more flexibility for legal challenges to agency regulations. Specifically, the bill requires state agencies to allow any person to submit comments or written materials about proposed rules or regulations through electronic or mail methods, without requiring in-person submissions. The bill also expands the permissible venues for filing legal challenges to agency rules, allowing petitioners to file declaratory judgment actions in the county where they reside, where their principal business is located, Lancaster County, or the county where the agency has its headquarters, instead of being limited to Lancaster County. When challenging a rule, courts can still declare a regulation invalid if it violates constitutional provisions, exceeds the agency's statutory authority, or was not adopted through proper procedures. By broadening public input opportunities and venue options, the bill aims to make administrative rulemaking more accessible and transparent, giving citizens and businesses more ways to participate in and challenge government regulations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=59579