BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 797 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 15, 2015 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTABILITY AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW Rudy Salas, Chair AB 797 (Steinorth) - As Amended April 6, 2015 SUBJECT: Regulations: effective dates and legislative review SUMMARY: Requires a copy of each major regulation submitted to the Secretary of State (SOS) by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) to also be submitted to the appropriate Legislative policy committees responsible for the subject matter of the regulation for review. EXISTING LAW: Requires the OAL to file a regulation or an order of repeal with the SOS as specified. The Constitution of the State of California grants the authority to the Legislature to create, amend or repeal statute, as specified. FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown COMMENTS: The author argues that the bill improves transparency of the rule making process and accountability to ensure that major government regulations, those with a fiscal impact on California's economy of $50 million or greater, face careful scrutiny by elected officials. In 2011 the Little Hoover Commission issued a report, Better Regulation: Improving California's Rulemaking Process, and recommended major AB 797 Page 2 regulations be sent to the Legislature for review. Currently the OAL publishes all adopted regulations, including major regulations, in the California Regulatory Notice Register. Additionally, the Department of Finance posts a list of major regulations on its website. REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION: Support American Chemistry Council Associated Builders and Contractors of California California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns California Business Properties Association California Business Roundtable California Chamber of Commerce California Hotel & Lodging Association California League of Food Processors AB 797 Page 3 California Manufacturers & Technology Association Consumer Specialty Products Association Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation National Federation of Independent Business Southwest California Legislative Council USANA Health Sciences, Inc. Western Growers Association Opposition None on file AB 797 Page 4 Analysis Prepared by:William Herms / A. & A.R. / (916) 319-3600