Walker creates rules office

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has created a new office within his administration to approve state agencies’ rules.

Walker issued an executive order Wednesday creating the Office of Regulatory Compliance. The office would accept agencies’ scope statements for rule proposals and studies on the proposals’ economic impact and notify agency officials of whether the rule has the green light.

Walker’s order also fleshes out what information must be included in scope statements and economic impact studies.

The Republican governor signed a bill earlier this year that gives him the power to approve or deny administrative rule proposals. Administrative rules enact state laws, but Republicans have complained agencies’ rules often go beyond the scope of the statutes. Walker has said gubernatorial oversight will prevent that from happening.