Motion to discharge regulatory-review bill fails after debate over procedure

A procedural motion to discharge the government operations committee and bring A.4717 directly to the Assembly floor failed on April 28, with the clerk announcing the result Ayes 43, Noes 106.

Mister Callahan, who moved to discharge, urged immediate consideration of bill A.4717 (sponsored by minority leadership), describing it as a measure that would create a Division of Regulatory Review and Economic Growth (DRREG) to review and recommend elimination of burdensome state rules. "Creating DRREG ... will be required to review and make recommendations for the elimination of burdensome state agency rules," he said, laying out the bill's structure and estimated administrative tasks.

Opponents argued the motion bypassed the committee process and raised concerns about cost and timing. Miss Pico Stokes urged colleagues to vote against the motion, saying that establishing a new entity with budgetary impact should be considered in the committee process and in the budget. "I do not think that it's responsible for us as legislators to make that kind of move today," she said.

The Republican conference announced enthusiastic support for the motion; the clerk recorded a party-style vote after noting conference positions and exceptions procedure. The motion failed on the procedural question; the bill therefore remained in committee rather than coming immediately before the full chamber.