JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Transportation is asking for online input from the public in reviewing its more than 200 administrative rules.
The review is in response to an executive order issued by Gov. Eric Greitens in January aiming to cut down on “ineffective, unnecessary or unduly burdensome” government rules and regulations.
MoDOT began to provide space for “E-Comments” on its administrative rules on April 6. Missourians can view the rules online and leave a comment, complaint or suggestion.
MoDOT Assistant Chief Engineer Kathy Harvey is directing the review. She said the department regularly examines the rules but is looking forward to outside recommendations.
“We have over 200 rules that our department alone oversees and we work with folks constantly trying to make them easier to understand, get rid of the stuff that’s unnecessary, to bring them up to date but it’s always good to have a fresh look and get fresh comments from folks,” Harvey said.
Harvey said the department has made online comments available to the public before, but this engagement effort is larger due to the demand of the executive order.
“There are times when we get zero comments on rules that are published and other times we will get hundreds of comments,” Harvey said. “We’ve made it as easy as possible for people, I think, to get in and comment, read the rules at their leisure and comment on anything they want to comment on.”
After the comments are received, MoDOT will hold meetings with stakeholders impacted by the administrative rules. For example, if the “Construction Program & Contractors” section of the rules receives noteworthy or conflicting comments, division heads will hold a meeting with contractors from around the state to find a solution to the concerns.
Missouri government agencies will report to the governor in the spring of 2018. According to the executive order, all existing and proposed regulations must follow the following criteria:
- The regulation is essential to the health, safety, or welfare of Missouri residents;
- The costs of the regulation do not outweigh their benefits, based on a cost-benefit analysis;
- A process and schedule exist to measure the effectiveness of the regulation;
- Less restrictive alternatives have been considered and found less desirable than the regulation;
- The regulation is based on sound, reasonably available scientific, technical, economic, and other relevant information; and
- The regulation does not unduly and adversely affect Missouri citizens or customers of the State, or the competitive environment in Missouri.
Public comments will be accepted until June 5.