Relating to: statements of scope for administrative rules. (FE)

A Wisconsin bill that would change how administrative rules are handled cleared a major hurdle this week after lawmakers voted to override Gov. Tony Evers’ veto. The measure, tied to Joint Rule 82 in the Wisconsin State Legislature, would set new requirements for agency scope statements, the first step in writing state regulations.

Scope statements tell the public what a state agency plans to regulate before a rule is drafted. Under current law, agencies must prepare and publish those statements, and the Legislative Reference Bureau makes them available for public review.

The debate matters in Milwaukee because administrative rules can affect everything from schools and licensing to environmental standards and business regulations. Supporters say tighter oversight gives lawmakers and the public more say over rules that can touch city residents, workers and employers. Critics argue the changes could slow down needed updates and make it harder for agencies to respond to local problems.

The Wisconsin State Legislature is expected to continue considering related rulemaking measures as lawmakers and the governor’s office remain at odds over how much authority agencies should have.