HB 2599 Summary

• Requires state agencies to obtain prior written governor approval before conducting any rulemaking, with specified justifications including job creation, regulatory burden reduction, public health/safety, statutory compliance, and elimination of antiquated rules.

• Establishes that licensees may accept an administrative law judge's written decision within 10 days as final, bypassing further agency review for most licensing decisions, except those involving administrative completeness or threats to public safety.

• Requires regulating entities to prominently display licensing information on websites including policies that ease licensing burdens, designated areas for military spouses and veterans, and tracking/reporting of veteran and military spouse applicants to the governor.

• Expands attorney fees awards for licensees who prevail in appeals of agency licensing decisions and clarifies definitions of "adversely affected party" requiring specific injury evidence and timely submission of detailed comments.

• Strengthens inspection and audit protections for regulated persons, including requirements for detailed billing statements, opportunity to correct alleged deficiencies, and monthly status updates on agency actions.