STATE GOVERNMENT Administrative Procedures: Provide that an Agency Shall Consider the Least Costly Alternative that Complies with the Statutory Directive in Formulating Certain Rules; Authorize Agencies to Grant Variances and Waivers from Compliance with Certain Rules Under Restricted Circumstances; Provide for Procedures and Exceptions; Provide for Review

The Act amends the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act to require state agencies to consider the least costly alternative to agency rules or regulations when petitioned by a party affected by the agency\u27s regulation. The proposed alternative must still meet the purposes of the statutes that are the foundation for the rule. The Act provides relief to affected parties when the strict application of agency rules results in excessive costs to the party or other unintended results. The Act provides relief to affected parties by authorizing the regulating agency to grant variances and waivers from strict compliance with the rules