The Delaware Department of State announced that it will hold public hearings next month in all three counties as part of Gov. Jack Markell’s effort to strengthen Delaware’s economy. The focus will be on modernizing and streamlining regulations that may be outdated or unnecessarily burdensome, while maintaining the state’s commitment to improving public health and environmental performance, according to officials.
The Department of State’s public hearings are being conducted in accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act. Agencies with regulations subject to review include:
• Human Relations Commission
• Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
• Division of Arts
• State Banking Commissioner
• Boards and Commissions of the Division of Professional Regulation
• Public Service Commission
The public is also invited to comment on any policies or programs within the Department of State including the Division of Archives, Division of Corporations, Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of State’s Office.
The Department’s hearings are scheduled for:
· Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016, 12:30pm, at the Carvel State Office Building, 4th Floor Conference Room, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington, DE 19803
· Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, 12:30pm, Secretary of State’s conference room, Townsend Building, 401 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901
· Thursday, Aug 4, 2016, 12:30pm, at the Georgetown Public Library,123 West Pine Street, Georgetown, DE 19947
The Regulatory Flexibility Act provides an opportunity for state agencies such as the Department of State to review regulations on their books, and streamline or eliminate those that might be outdated, inconsistent or no longer serve their intended purpose. After formal comment, the department will consider the input received in addition to its own evaluation and begin the process for amending or repealing regulations accordingly.
In addition to participating in the public hearings, members of the public are also encouraged to submit comments online. Comments relative to the Regulatory Flexibility Act will be accepted through October 1, 2016.
