How Do the PMT Regulations Become a Law?

We’ve decided not to do a short overview of the recently announced Phosphorus Management Tool (PMT) regulations from the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA).  The feeling is another overview of the regulations would be redundant and fall on an audience who has heard enough about PMT.  You’ve all heard how the regulations will potentially impact nutrient management plans for your farm.  Plus it is diving into science, and we really are not scientists  (though Paul does admit to dressing as a scientist for Halloween many years ago).

Basic Overview

            Instead, we will overview a less complicated issue: how a regulation becomes a law.  We should quickly point out that regulations carry the same weight of law as a statute passed by the General Assembly or ruling of a court.  After the legislative branch passes a law and it is signed by the executive branch, the law is sent to the appropriate executive branch agency. The agency will then develop regulations through collecting data and holding hearings to collect evidence on the best way to implement the law.  Once the agency determines the best way to conduct the law’s implementation, the agency will draft a proposed regulation. 

To read more about how a proposed regulation (like PMT) becomes a law then click over the Maryland Risk Management Education Blog.