When administrative agencies create regulations, they are acting under which type of authority?

Administrative agencies create regulations under quasi-legislative authority. This is because these agencies are empowered by legislative bodies to create rules and regulations that have the force of law. When Congress or state legislatures enact statutes, they often delegate certain powers to administrative agencies to fill in the details needed to implement those laws effectively. This allows agencies to craft specific regulations based on their expertise and the technical nuances of the subject matter.

Quasi-legislative authority differs from pure legislative authority because the agencies do not create laws in the traditional sense. Instead, they are authorized to establish regulations that help enforce and administer the laws set forth by the legislative body. The regulations become part of the legal framework and can influence how laws are applied and enforced.

This process often includes public notice and comment opportunities, allowing stakeholders to provide input on proposed regulations, which further emphasizes the quasi-legislative nature of the authority exercised by these agencies.