Office of Administrative Law – California Globe

Disapproval vs Withdrawal of Regulations

November 28, 2025 2:00 pmNovember 28, 2025 2:01 pm

What is a disapproval of a regulation? What is the withdrawal of a regulation? What roles do these two procedures play in the California rulemaking process? The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) can either approve a rulemaking package or they...

An Introduction to the California Rulemaking Process

November 1, 2025 2:00 pmNovember 1, 2025 2:01 pm

California has over 200 State agencies, departments, boards, and commissions that make public policy through their authority to adopt regulations. A list of State agencies that have adopted regulations can be found on the website of California’s Office of Administrative...

The Food on Your Table is Literally at Stake

August 24, 2024 3:05 amAugust 24, 2024 9:45 am

The unintended consequences of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) continue to reverberate across the Central Valley. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024 there was a court hearing at the Kings County Superior Court that further tested the reach of state...

Frequently Asked Questions about Rulemaking Appeals to the Governor

May 5, 2024 2:27 amMay 5, 2024 2:28 am

When and why does a regulatory agency appeal certain decisions to the Governor’s Office? While the last time occurred in 2007, a state agency can appeal the rejection of a regulation by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). What must...

Frequently Asked Questions about OAL’s Disapproval Process for Regulations

April 17, 2024 2:30 amApril 17, 2024 2:31 am

Is OAL required to review regulations? Yes, the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) is charged with reviewing all proposed regulations by California’s executive branch administrative agencies and departments. Where is this requirement on OAL found in the law? This review...

Frequently Asked Questions about of OAL’s Standards of Review for Regulations

April 16, 2024 2:30 amApril 16, 2024 2:31 am

Does state law dictate how OAL reviews proposed regulations? Yes, when the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) reviews regulations, its review is dictated by the California Administrative Procedure Act (APA) in the California Government Code. What does state law provide?...

Frequently Asked Questions about Economic Impact Analysis Under the APA

March 3, 2024 2:45 amMarch 3, 2024 2:46 am

Does each executive branch rulemaking require an economic analysis to be done? Yes, all regulations are required to have an analysis of the potential economic impact of the regulation pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.3. What is required for this...