Which concept refers to the regulations that an administrative agency may create?

The concept that refers to the regulations that an administrative agency may create is rulemaking authority. Administrative agencies are granted the power to develop regulations that have the force of law through a process known as rulemaking. This authority allows them to fill in the details necessary to implement and enforce statutory mandates passed by legislative bodies.

Rulemaking is essential because statutes often provide broad goals and guidelines but lack the specificity needed for practical application. Through rulemaking authority, agencies create detailed rules that govern various aspects of public life, ensuring that the intent of the legislation is realized in practice.

While statutory obligations pertain to the duties established by law, and quasi-judicial powers refer to the authority of agencies to conduct hearings and make decisions in contested cases, enabling legislation is the act that creates the agency and outlines its powers but does not directly refer to the creation of regulations. Thus, rulemaking authority is the precise term that encapsulates the ability of administrative agencies to formulate rules and regulations governing their respective areas.