Missourians can file comments on any state rule or regulation from state agencies till August 31.
For the first time in Missouri history, any individual or company may comment on a Missouri rule or regulation. These open comment periods, open 60 days after July 1, are a good chance for small business owners to get their voices heard about which laws are not working for them.
A few years after the Missouri General Assembly enacted a law to review all rules and regulations in the books, the first six state agencies opened comment periods July 1.
“This period review will allow all small business owners the opportunity to voice their concerns about regulations that are confusing, contradictory, costly or in any way keeping your company from growing or adding jobs,” says Brad Jones, NFIB/Missouri state director.
The first six agencies to review their rules include:
- Office of Administration
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Conservation
- Department of Economic Development
- Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Department of Higher Education
Comments must be submitted by August 31, 2015, to an agency’s designee. Comments must identify and be associated with a specific rule. Following the comment period, state agencies must prepare a report detailing several factors for small businesses, including:
- Whether the rule continues to be necessary
- Whether the rule overlaps, duplicates or conflicts with other states rules
- Whether the rules needs amendment to reduce regulatory burdens
- Specific public purpose or interest for adopting the rules and any other reason to justify its continued existence
All comments will be included in agency reports. The next periodic review of more state agencies will start July 1, 2016.
NFIB urges small business members to take part in the open comment period about specific rules affecting them.
