Welcome to the Office of Administrative Law
The Office of Administrative Law (OAL) ensures that agency regulations are clear, necessary, legally valid, and available to the public. OAL is responsible for reviewing administrative regulations proposed by over 200 state agencies for compliance with the standards set forth in California’s Administrative Procedure Act (APA), for transmitting these regulations to the Secretary of State and for publishing regulations in the California Code of Regulations.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- NEW! The 2025 California Rulemaking Law Under the Administrative Procedure Act booklets are now available! Please contact staff@oal.ca.gov or (916) 323-6225 if interested in purchasing a copy.
- NEW! The 2025 Rulemaking Calendar is now available! The Rulemaking Calendar is a projection of rulemaking activity by state agencies for the upcoming year. Our Rulemaking Calendar page describes the various ways the Rulemaking Calendar can be accessed.
- To assist state agency staff and members of the public, the Office of Administrative Law has created short videos about the rulemaking process and how to participate: How to Incorporate a Document by Reference in the California Code of Regulations, Tips for Searching the California Code of Regulations Online, and How to Comment on Emergency Rulemaking Actions. Please visit our Rulemaking Training and Resources Page for more information.
- Availability in OAL'S Training Classes! Now is a great time to sign up for OAL's 3-Day Rulemaking Training Class and OAL's Special 3-Hour Training for State Agency Personnel on Underground Regulations. Our popular classes offer comprehensive training on the Administrative Procedure Act process and on underground regulations and are taught by highly experienced OAL attorneys and legal staff. Space is limited. Register online today!
- OAL'S CURRENT PROPOSED RULEMAKING concerns Incorporation of Prior Files by Reference; Notice by Electronic Communication; Statement of Mailing Notice; Notice of Scheduled, Continued, or Postponed Hearings; and Method of Electronic Notice. The latest information is found on that page.
- Please be aware of the latest requirements concerning (1) reduction in the number of hard copies and electronic copies of the regulation text submitted by state agencies to OAL; and (2) regulations concerning electronic submissions of rulemakings and notices and procedures.
- Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Electronic Submissions. OAL has prepared a set of frequently asked questions that pertain to the Section 101 certification, digital signatures, and electronic submission requirements.
Related Links
Contact OAL
Office of Administrative Law
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1250
Sacramento, CA 95814-4339
Phone: (916) 323-6225
CALNET: (916) 473-6225
Fax: (916) 323-6826
Email: staff@oal.ca.gov
Reference Attorney
Voicemail Line: (916) 323-6815
Email: staff@oal.ca.gov
If you wish to receive notice of proposed rulemakings by OAL, send an email to oalproposedrulemakings@oal.ca.gov and request to be put on OAL's mailing list.