89R1288 JDK-D
 
  By: Harrison H.B. No. 404
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to state agency review of adopted rules.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Section 2001.039, Government Code, is amended by
  amending Subsection (e) and adding Subsections (f), (g), and (h) to
  read as follows:
         (e)  A state agency's review of a rule must include an
  assessment of:
               (1)  whether the reasons for initially adopting the
  rule continue to exist; and
               (2)  any cost imposed on regulated persons that
  subjects the rule to Section 2001.0045.
         (f)  A state agency shall publish on the agency's Internet
  website each assessment the agency conducts under Subsection (e)(2)
  and include a link on the website to the data, working papers, and
  other materials the agency used to complete the assessment.
         (g)  If a state agency fails to complete a rule review in
  accordance with this section by the date required under Subsection
  (b), the rule expires on the day following the date required under
  that subsection and is considered void and unenforceable.
         (h)  Any person potentially injured by the continued
  enforcement of a rule that has expired under Subsection (g) may file
  a civil action to obtain a declaratory judgment against and
  injunctive relief from the rule's continued enforcement. The
  action may be filed in a district court in the person's county of
  residence or in Travis County. A plaintiff who substantially
  prevails in the action is entitled to recover reasonable costs and
  attorney's fees from the state agency that adopted the rule.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.