What is the administrative agency process for creating regulations?
The quasi-legislative process by which administrative agencies create regulations is formal, informal, or hybrid.
Each of these processes is discussed below.
What is the formal rulemaking process?
Formal rulemaking generally proceeds as follows:
- Public Announcement – The agency develops a proposed regulation and announces the rule or regulation to the public.
- Public Comment – Following the announcement of the new regulations, the administrative agency allows for public comment on the regulation. Individuals may write letters, enter comments on the website, and speak at an open public forum regarding the proposed regulation. At the public hearing, interested parties are allowed to present evidence in support of, or in opposition to, a proposed rule or regulation.
- Final Rulemaking – The agency will take public comment and incorporate those comments into a final draft of the regulation. If the proposed regulation garners much public interest, Congress will seek a report or explanation of actions from the agency.
What is the Informal Rulemaking Process?
The informal rulemaking process does not require a hearing.
What is the Hybrid Rulemaking Process?
The hybrid procedure requires a hearing, but the process is less detailed than the formal process.
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