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Influencing the Rulemaking Process: Role of Citizens
There is a wide range of involvement among those involved in administrative advocacy. As strong advocates for their clients, many agencies often spend a good deal of time involved in the rule-making process, effecting significant changes in the way services are delivered. There are also, however, many examples of individuals who have influenced the rulemaking process as well.
Citizens can influence the rule-making process in a variety of ways.
- Citizens can influence the implementation of new legislation by being an active participant as the rules are being written.
- Citizens can help determine changes in - or even repeal of - already existing rules.
- Citizen participation can take many forms: in person or in writing, by testifying, by contacting the agency staff writing the rules, or by serving on an advisory group.
The administrative and rulemaking process can be complex but the citizen's role is straightforward: you can tell state agencies what you think about specific rules being drafted by them, before the rules are finalized. You can do this by phone, email, mail and/or in person. If they apply to a new law: will they work? If they apply to an existing law: are they working as intended? What rules/rule changes do you believe should be implemented by state agencies?
By participating in the rule-making process, you can help develop rules that will assist state agencies in continuing to operate successfully and to help define the way by which they deliver their services. The amount of success you can have on influencing the rules process will vary, and will depend on many factors, including the amount of time you have available, your level of preparation, and the quality of relationships you have built with agency personnel. But first you have to try.
Adapted from Influencing the Rulemaking Process in Washington State: A Role for Citizens in Public Policy (July 2003), produced through the Civic Engagement Project, a joint project of OMB Watch, Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest, and the University of Washington School of Social Work.