AZ HB2646

Requires Arizona agencies to obtain prior written approval from the governor before conducting formal or informal rulemaking, unless the rulemaking is necessary to comply with state statute, session law, or state budget implementation as determined by the director of the governor's office of strategic planning and budgeting.

Agencies seeking rulemaking approval must specify at least one justification factor, including: job creation/economic development, reducing regulatory burden, preventing threats to public health/safety, avoiding court sanctions, complying with federal requirements tied to federal funding, conducting exempt rulemaking, or addressing waste/fraud/abuse.

Excludes the Corporation Commission, agencies headed by a single elected state official, and agencies whose administrative head is not appointed by the governor from the governor approval requirement.

Maintains existing notice and comment procedures requiring agencies to file proposed rules with the secretary of state, publish notices in the state register, notify interested parties, and allow at least 30 days for public comment before proceeding with rulemaking.

Allows agencies to issue supplemental notices if proposed rules require substantial changes based on public comments or internal review, with additional public comment periods required.