A state agency may file a Proposed Rule when it determines the need for a substantive change to an existing rule. With a Notice of Proposed Rule, an agency may create a new rule, amend an existing rule, repeal an existing rule, or repeal an existing rule and reenact a new rule.

Each Proposed Rule begins with a Rule Analysis. This analysis provides summary information about the Proposed Rule including the name of a contact person, anticipated cost impact of the rule, and legal cross-references.

Following the Rule Analysis, the text of the Proposed Rule is usually printed. New rules or additions made to existing rules are underlined (example). Deletions made to existing rules are struck out with brackets surrounding them ([example]). Rules being repealed are completely struck out. A row of dots in the text between paragraphs (. . . . . . .) indicates that unaffected text from within a section was removed to conserve space. Unaffected sections are not usually printed. If a Proposed Rule is too long to print, the Division of Administrative Rules may include only the Rule Analysis. A copy of each rule that is too long to print is available from the filing agency or from the Division of Administrative Rules.

The law requires that an agency accept public comment on Proposed Rules for a minimum of 30 days from the publication date. The agency may accept comment for more than 30 days and will indicate the last day the agency will accept comment in the Rule Analysis. The agency may also hold public hearings. Additionally, citizens or organizations may request the agency hold a hearing on a specific Proposed Rule. Section 63G-3-302 requires that a hearing request be received by the agency proposing the rule "in writing not more than 15 days after the publication date of the proposed rule."

From the end of the public comment period to 120 days from the publication date, the agency may notify the Division of Administrative Rules that it wants to make the Proposed Rule effective. The agency sets the effective date. The date may be no fewer than seven calendar days after the close of the public comment period nor more than 120 days after the publication date of the the Utah State Bulletin in which the Proposed Rule was published. Alternatively, the agency may file a Change in Proposed Rule in response to comments received. If the Division of Administrative Rules does not receive a Notice of Effective Date or a Change in Proposed Rule, the Proposed Rule lapses.

The public, interest groups, and governmental agencies are invited to review and comment on Proposed Rules. Comment may be directed to the contact person identified on the Rule Analysis for each rule.

Proposed Rules are governed by Section 63G-3-301, Rule R15-2, and Sections R15-4-3, R15-4-4, R15-4-5a, R15-4-9, and R15-4-10.