(a) The Committee may conduct a specialized or focused review of 1 or more rules or regulations of an agency. This review is known as a “rules review,” and does not include the same schedules and procedures as an agency review.

(b) The Committee may select an agency for a rules review in the same manner that it selects an agency for review under this chapter, or it may select an agency upon a written request by the chairperson of a standing committee of either house. If the Committee decides to conduct a rules review of an agency, the name of the agency must be included among those agencies scheduled for the next immediate review. A rules review may begin immediately if, in the determination of the Committee, an emergency exists.

(c) When the Committee conducts a rules review of an agency, it must first hold an information-gathering hearing in which any agency, individual, or business has the right to testify about any issue, concern, defect, or problem relating to the rules or regulations under review by the Committee. The Committee must also permit members of the public and any state agency to send written testimony and other materials to the Committee. The Committee shall, from the information-gathering hearing and submitted materials, compile a list of concerns which must include those issues, concerns, defects, or problems which the Committee feels merit closer study and consideration.

(d) Within 1 week following the information-gathering hearing, the Committee shall meet to consider the accumulated testimony and submitted materials, and may meet as many times thereafter to continue its review for as long as the Committee determines that meetings are necessary. Upon the conclusion of its review, the Committee shall list those changes in the agency’s rules or regulations that the Committee considers necessary or appropriate, and shall meet with the highest administrative officer of the agency, or the administrative officer’s designee to determine what changes, if any, can be agreed upon between the agency and the Committee. If an agreement or possible solutions to the remaining items set forth in the list of concerns cannot be obtained, the Committee shall issue its recommendations in the next final report, and shall cause legislation to be drafted that will, in the determination of the Committee, best accomplish its recommendations.

68 Del. Laws, c. 159, § 6; 70 Del. Laws, c. 186, § 1; 76 Del. Laws, c. 221, § 1; 80 Del. Laws, c. 260, § 1.