Frequently Asked Questions

A:         The ORR was created by Governor Snyder through Executive Order 2011-5, effective April 25, 2011,  to administer Michigan's rulemaking process and conduct a review of Michigan's existing regulations.  The mission of the ORR is to ensure that Michigan's regulatory environment is simple, fair, efficient and transparent, and conducive to business growth and job creation.

Q:         What is an administrative rule?

A:         An administrative rule is an agency's written regulation, statement, standard, policy, ruling, or instruction that has the effect of law - the legal definition is located at  MCL 24.207 . In order to promulgate a rule, a state agency must have rulemaking authority granted by a state statute, the Michigan Administrative Procedures Act (APA), or the Michigan Constitution.

Q:         Can ORR amend or rescind administrative rules on its own?

A:         No.  While the ORR may identify particular rules that are problematic, rulemaking authority is granted statutorily to the relevant agencies by the legislature to assist them in carrying out their responsibilities in respect to a particular statute.  Any amendments or rescissions identified by the ORR will need to go through the rulemaking process set forth in the APA.

Q:         Can ORR amend or repeal statutes on its own?

A:         No.  While ORR may identify particular statutes that are problematic, only the legislature may amend or repeal statutes.

Q:         How are administrative rules promulgated or amended?

A:         The rulemaking process is set forth in the APA (MCL 24.201, et seq.).  For a summary version, see the " Administrative Rules Process in a Nutshell ".

Q:         How can I give my input regarding proposed or existing administrative rules?

A:         For most proposed administrative rules, a public hearing is required; you can contact the ORR or the promulgating department for more information about the public hearing for a particular rule set.  If you want to provide feedback on existing administrative rules or non-rule regulatory materials (such as agency guidelines, memos, and handbooks), you can submit your comments in our  ORR Suggestion Box .

Q:         How can I contact ORR?

A:          Office of Regulatory Reinvention
111 S. Capitol Avenue - 4th Floor
Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: 517 335-8658
Fax: 517 335-9512

Email: orr@michigan.gov

DISCLAIMER:  "The answers provided are not meant to be a substitute for legal advice."