MS HB1297

Allows agencies to adopt rules permitting small businesses to opt into streamlined adjudicatory proceedings conducted remotely (mail, email, phone, videoconference) instead of in-person appearances.

Requires agencies adopting streamlined proceeding rules to consider case complexity, severity of sanctions, necessity for sworn testimony, and cost reductions before limiting availability to appropriate matter types.

Streamlined proceedings may only be used with the small business respondent's consent and the agency's consent, and must not diminish any rights of respondents or other parties.

Agencies must provide procedures for requesting, scheduling, conducting, and developing complete records of streamlined proceedings, with option to reschedule as standard adjudicatory proceedings if impractical to continue.

Adds "small business" definition to Administrative Procedures Act (defined in Section 25-43-4.102) and modifies economic impact statement requirements to reference small business analysis standards; effective July 1, 2014.