Bill > HB1082

This bill requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to annually report to the legislative council any significant changes it has made in its policies or rules. Specifically, before July 1st each year, IDEM must submit an electronic report detailing any administrative rules proposed or adopted by the Environmental Rules Board (the board), any operating policies or procedures instituted or altered by IDEM, and any non-rule policies or statements put into effect since the previous July 1st, provided these represent a change from previously followed policies under Indiana Code (IC) 13 and the board's rules. This report must be submitted to the executive director of the legislative services agency for presentation to the legislative council. Additionally, the bill amends existing law to require that if a proposed rule contains an element that is more stringent than federal law or addresses an area where federal law is silent, and this element is identified in the public notice, the rule cannot become effective until after the regular legislative session following the notice. However, this delay does not apply to emergency rules, emergency actions, or temporary policy changes made in response to an emergency situation.