What is the primary function of the enabling act?

The primary function of the enabling act is to create an agency. Enabling acts are legislative tools used by a legislature to provide the legal authority for administrative agencies to be established and to carry out specific functions or tasks. When an enabling act is passed, it delineates the powers and responsibilities of the agency, as well as the scope of its authority, enabling it to enforce laws and regulations in a particular area.

This is a crucial concept in administrative law, where legislative bodies may delegate certain powers to specialized agencies for more effective governance and administration, reflecting the need for expertise in a specific domain. In contrast, defining penalties, regulating commerce, and stipulating fines typically fall under existing frameworks or are addressed through subsequent legislation rather than being the primary purpose of an enabling act.