AB 1409 Summary

• Requires state agencies to include in their initial statement of reasons for proposed regulations any reasonable alternatives submitted by the public or the Office of the Small Business Advocate, and clarifies alternatives may include phasing implementation, performance standards, simplified reporting, and exemptions for small businesses.

• Mandates state agencies assess whether similar or related state regulations exist and determine opportunities to coordinate and harmonize compliance activities to reduce regulatory burden on small businesses.

• Requires the Department of General Services to provide guidance in the State Administrative Manual on procedures for periodic review of existing regulations and orderly implementation of new regulations, with implementation dates limited to two standardized dates except when delaying could cause significant public harm.

• Clarifies the Office of the Small Business Advocate's duties to include commenting on and gathering input from small businesses regarding reasonable alternatives to proposed and existing regulations.

• Makes a legislative finding that an effective and efficient regulatory environment is necessary for economic growth, and that government practices should not unnecessarily increase costs or delay projects.