(a) For assistance in the review, evaluation and coordination of programs and activities of State agencies, the development of strategies for maximizing public input, and the promotion of consistent measures among agencies for involving the public in the rulemaking process, subject to the provisions of this chapter, an Interagency Committee on Administrative Rules is created. Members of the Committee shall be appointed by the Governor from the Executive Branch and shall serve at his or her pleasure.

(b) The duties and responsibilities of the Committee shall be those established under this section or those directed by the Governor and shall include review of existing and proposed rules of agencies designated by the Governor for style, consistency with the law, legislative intent, and the policies of the Governor. The Committee shall make reports and recommendations concerning programs and activities of designated agencies subject to this chapter.

(c) After a proposed rule is prefiled with the Committee, the Committee shall work with the agency and prescribe a strategy for maximizing public input on the proposed rule. The Committee shall evaluate the current efforts and practices of agencies for including the public in the development of proposed rules, and shall recommend an appropriate process for maximizing public input, based on the Committee's evaluation of current agency practices and the importance of public involvement, given the nature of the proposed rule. The Committee shall prescribe a specific strategy regarding the location, time and frequency of public hearings, and advise the agency on specific provisions of 1 V.S.A. chapter 5 and the consequences of failing to adhere to the prescribed strategy. (Added 1975, No. 211 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; amended 1981, No. 82, § 5; 1999, No. 146 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2001, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 47, eff. June 27, 2002.)