ME LD1778

Reduces the public notice period for proposed rules without hearings from 20 days to 17 days prior to the comment deadline, and requires agencies to post proposed rules on their publicly accessible websites

Requires agencies to compose a basis statement explaining the factual and policy foundation for each adopted rule, along with a summary of public comments received and the agency's rationale for any changes made

Prohibits agencies from adopting rules that are substantively different from proposed rules unless they address concerns raised in public comments; if substantive changes are made, agencies must request additional public comments and wait 30 days before adoption

Modernizes rule filing procedures by authorizing the Secretary of State to implement electronic filing platforms and requiring online posting of proposed and adopted rules, while eliminating outdated requirements for physical rule compilations

Authorizes the Secretary of State to correct minor spelling and formatting errors in rules and update outdated terminology without requiring agencies to initiate formal rulemaking