What do administrative agencies have that gives their decisions legal authority?

Administrative agencies possess the force and effect of law, which is crucial for their decisions to have legal authority. This power enables these agencies to create rules and regulations that can affect how laws are implemented and enforced. When an administrative agency issues a regulation or a decision, it is considered to have the same legal weight as a law passed by the legislature, provided that it falls within the scope of the authority granted to the agency by enabling legislation.

This legal authority allows administrative agencies to enforce their regulations, conduct hearings, impose penalties, and take other actions necessary to ensure compliance with their rules. Because agencies are created by legislative acts, they are tasked with administering public policies and have the authority to enact and enforce rules that achieve the objectives set forth by these acts. This relationship between the agency’s function and its legal authority is essential for the effective governance of various sectors, including environmental protection, health and safety, and finance.