Boise, Idaho – Governor Brad Little unveiled new steps this week to improve transparency and accountability in Idaho’s administrative rulemaking processes.

Governor Little directed the Idaho Office of the Administrative Rules (OAR) Coordinator housed within the Governor’s Division of Financial Management to make four changes that simplify rulemaking for the public:

1. New one-stop shop for public meetings and hearings schedules: Online postings of notices and schedules for all negotiated rulemaking public meetings and public hearings on proposed rules used to be located only on individual agencies’ web sites in places that could be hard for the public to find. Now the OAR Coordinator’s website includes all scheduled public meetings and hearings on a single web page, with easy-to-find information on dates, times, locations, and links to rulemaking notices and dockets. View the schedule here.
2. New subscribe feature: The Idaho Administrative Bulletin is published 1-2 times per month, and citizens now can sign up to receive an e-mail directly informing them when rules are published. Citizens used to have to remember to visit the site to check for updates.
3. New rulemaking cover sheets: Agencies with rules will be required to include a cover sheet explaining in plain language to whom the rule applies, the purpose of the rule, who to contact in the agency for more information on the rule, and legal authorities.
4. Better grouping and naming of rule chapters: Any agency that administers more than 20 chapters of rules underwent a process to group chapters of rules under headings that are easy for the public to understand and identify.

“I am determined to bring more accountability and transparency to Idaho’s rulemaking processes,” Governor Little said. “I am thankful to the Legislature and agencies within my administration for helping me simplify rulemaking, so the average Idahoan feels encouraged to participate in the formation of laws that affect them.”

The changes come on the heels of Governor Little’s announcement last week that Idaho’s licensing boards and commissions will consider recommendations to further simplify and cut occupational licensing laws, after Governor Little’s administration already has scaled back and streamlined 40 percent of regulations so far this year.

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NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Marissa Morrison, Press Secretary

208-943-1686 or Marissa.Morrison@gov.idaho.gov

 

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