What is legislative delegation?

Legislative delegation refers to the process by which a legislative body transfers its authority to make decisions or create regulations to a specialized agency or body. This is often done to streamline government functions and allow for more efficient management of specific areas such as environmental regulation, public health, or labor standards, where expertise is essential. By delegating power in this way, the legislature can focus on broader policy issues while allowing agencies, which have the specialized knowledge and capacity, to enact regulations within the framework set by the legislature.

This process is crucial because it enables detailed and technical regulations to be developed and implemented more effectively than if the legislature were to handle every aspect of the regulation directly. Agencies, therefore, operate under the authority granted to them by the legislature, ensuring that the legislative intent is followed while also providing flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.