NW Valley Times

Arizona State Sen. Anthony Kern (R-27) criticized Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) regarding Hobbs’ veto of SB 1255, a bill Kern said would have given the “Legislature final approval over costly bureaucratic agency rule making .”

“The Legislature is tasked with deciding major questions of statewide policy,” said Kern in a statement. “SB 1255 would have recognized that duty by giving the Legislature final approval over costly bureaucratic agency rule making before rules go into effect and economically impact Arizonans.”

According to the text of the legislation, “If a proposed rule is estimated to increase regulatory costs in this state in excess of $500,000 within five years after implementation, the proposed rule may not become effective until the legislature enacts legislation ratifying the proposed rule. 

Hobbs vetoed the bill on May 8, writing, “The rule making process that state agencies follow is rigorous, transparent, and essential to allowing the State government to function at its best for the people of Arizona.”

“If the Legislature disagrees with the rules implemented by the state,” wrote Hobbs. “It can produce legislation to change them.”

“This is massively counterproductive,” said Kern, “and does not provide an effective mechanism to address regulatory issues that impact our state’s economy in a timely manner.”