For judicial review, what must a final rule show in its basis and purpose?

For judicial review, what must a final rule show in its basis and purpose?

• A. The governor's personal preference.
• B. The specific facts, policy reasons, and statutory authority supporting the rule.
• C. Public opinion polling results.
• D. The agency's budget impact.

Answer: (B)

When a final rule is challenged, courts require a solid rationale grounded in what the agency did and why. The basis and purpose must tie the rule to specific facts found in the record, the policy reasons the rule advances, and the statutory authority that authorizes the rule. This shows the rule is not arbitrary and stays within the agency’s legal powers, while also explaining the goals the rule is meant to achieve. Personal preferences from a governor, public opinion polls, or the rule’s budget impact alone do not provide the required legal justification.

When a final rule is challenged, courts require a solid rationale grounded in what the agency did and why. The basis and purpose must tie the rule to specific facts found in the record, the policy reasons the rule advances, and the statutory authority that authorizes the rule. This shows the rule is not arbitrary and stays within the agency’s legal powers, while also explaining the goals the rule is meant to achieve. Personal preferences from a governor, public opinion polls, or the rule’s budget impact alone do not provide the required legal justification.