What does promulgated mean in regulatory terms?

• A. To repeal a law
• B. To postpone enforcement
• C. To issue a warning
• D. To formally announce or put into effect by public proclamation

Answer: (D)

Promulgated means the formal act of making a rule official through public proclamation or publication. In regulatory terms, a rule doesn’t become enforceable until it is promulgated—published in the official source (like the state register or administrative code) and assigned an effective date. This is the moment the rule becomes binding and enforceable, so violations can be sanctioned. It’s different from repealing a law (removing it), postponing enforcement (delaying its start), or issuing a warning (informing without making the rule active). For example, when the Ohio Board of Cosmetology promulgates sanitation and safety rules, those rules aren’t in effect until they’re promulgated and published with an effective date, after which salons must comply.