What term describes the formal adoption of new regulations by an administrative agency?

The term that describes the formal adoption of new regulations by an administrative agency is rulemaking. This process involves the development, drafting, and finalization of regulations that administrative agencies use to enforce laws passed by the legislature. Rulemaking typically follows a specific process outlined in the Administrative Procedure Act, which includes public notice, a comment period, and then the adoption of the final rule.

In comparison, implementation refers to the execution of those regulations once they are adopted, ensuring that the rules are put into effect and adhered to by relevant parties. Legislation pertains to the process of creating laws through legislative bodies, rather than the agency-level regulations that follow. Policy formation relates to the broader development of strategies and priorities within agencies, which can influence rulemaking but does not specifically refer to the formal adoption of regulations.

Therefore, rulemaking accurately captures the specific procedure an administrative agency follows to formally adopt new regulations.