A quasi-legislative capacity is that in which a public administrative agency or body acts when it makes rules and regulations.
Administrative agencies acquire this authority to make rules and regulations that affect legal rights through statutes.
This authority is an exception to the general principle that laws affecting rights should be passed only by elected lawmakers.
Agencies with authority over environmental matters may pass rules that restrict the rights of property owners to alter or build on their land; departments of revenue may pass rules that affect how much tax a person pays; and local housing agencies may set and enforce standards on health and safety in housing.
When an administrative agency intends to pass or change a rule that affects substantive legal rights, it usually must provide notice of this intent and hold a public hearing.