Measures to Reduce Administrative Burdens

     Current law requires each principal department of the state (department) to establish a schedule to review all of its rules. The act requires the review to occur at least every 5 years. Current law directs each department to make certain determinations when conducting the review of the rules. The act requires the following additional determinations:

• Whether the department has rules with the same or similar purpose, intent, or goal and, if so, how those are coordinated and whether redundant rules can be eliminated;
• Whether the rule is outdated or obsolete;
• Whether funding levels to support the program or function subject to the rule are appropriate; and
• Whether there are opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the rule in meeting its purpose, intent, or goal.

     Current law requires each department to present a report at its 'SMART Act' hearing regarding its mandatory review of all rules. The act permits the committee of reference presiding over the 'SMART Act' hearing to make a recommendation whether a program or function subject to the rules should be subject to a sunset review or may make a recommendation to the legislative audit committee for an audit by the office of the state auditor.

     The act clarifies the attorney general's responsibility regarding litigation discovery on behalf of the state of Colorado or on behalf of the people of the state of Colorado.


(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)