Off-the-Record Consultations and the Revised Model State Administrative Procedure Act

The drafters of the Revised Act have sought to resolve the confrontation of policy objectives in part by insisting that the decision maker refrain from off-the-record communications with any of the parties to the proceeding. However, there are a number of ambiguities in the act which indicate that it may be possible for state agencies to avoid this objective. Furthermore, implementation of the policy decisions of the drafters may prove to be undesirable for the overall operation of state administrative agencies. This comment will consider these two possible criticisms of the Revised Model Act and will suggest that changes be made in the language of certain provisions when enacted by state legislatures.