Livingston Today

Senator Jim Runestad has introduced new legislation aimed at changing how Michigan’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) reviews proposed regulations. JCAR is a legislative body responsible for overseeing rules suggested by state departments and agencies.

“No law should take effect in Michigan without legislative oversight,” said Runestad, R-White Lake. “By giving every member of JCAR the power to demand a hearing, we are restoring accountability, transparency and balance to the rulemaking process. Too many rules have quietly become law without proper review. That would end with this bill.”

Currently, if JCAR does not take action on a proposed ruleset, it automatically becomes law after a certain number of legislative session days, even if lawmakers have not reviewed it.

“This loophole has allowed major regulations with the force of law to bypass legislative scrutiny, sometimes with serious and costly consequences for citizens and businesses alike,” Runestad said. “My new legislation would ensure accountability by allowing any JCAR committee member — not just the chair — to call for a hearing on a proposed ruleset. This will ensure important regulatory decisions don’t simply slip through unexamined.”

Runestad also mentioned that Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has used the JCAR process in recent years to try to implement changes and modify election law.

Senate Bill 606 is part of Runestad’s larger plan to increase legislative oversight of administrative actions in Michigan and ensure that the rulemaking process remains thorough and democratic.