Capitol Cliff Notes with Rep. Burns

Oklahoma Rep. Ty Burns

I’ve been fielding many questions lately about the administrative rules process. This process often flies under the radar, but it is important to ensure that government agencies operate within the framework of our laws and with public input.

The Administrative Rules Committee is central to this process. This committee carefully examines all agency administrative rules, providing more thorough legislative oversight of executive-branch agency rulemaking.

It’s important to remember that while agencies can’t create laws themselves—that’s the Legislature’s job—some bills authorize agencies to develop rules for implementing specific programs or processes.

Imagine if every detail had to be spelled out in statutes. It would be impractical and inflexible. Rulemaking allows for a more adaptable approach, where those impacted can have their say in the specifics.

Here’s how it works: Agencies draft proposed rules to ensure alignment with enacted laws. Before these rules can take effect, the Legislature must approve them. Public feedback is essential in this process, with agencies seeking input through comment periods and public hearings, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Agencies must submit their rules for review at the beginning of the year. Then, the Administrative Rules Committee checks every rule to see if it aligns with legislative intent and agency authority. If they find any concerns, they’ll examine them more closely.

The final adoption of rules is a detailed process. Rules are adopted through a resolution that each chamber’s committee hears before moving before each chamber. The resolution indicates explicitly which rules are not to be approved. Once endorsed by the Legislature, these administrative rules carry the force of law.

It’s critical to oversee this process closely. The Legislature’s role is clear: to approve or disapprove rules. This oversight ensures that administrative rules reflect the people’s will, balancing governance with public interest.

We’ve got a few weeks ahead of us where we’ll be hashing out the budget with the Senate. Governor Stitt invited House and Senate leaders for a budget summit earlier this week in an effort to find an agreement. I’ll keep update everyone on the progress of the budget in the coming weeks.

It is truly an honor and privilege to represent you at the State Capitol. Please do not ‎‎hesitate to contact me at 405-557-7344 or [email protected].

Rep. Ty Burns, a Republican, serves District 35 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which covers Creek, Noble, Osage, Pawnee and Payne counties.