A type of administrative agency rule that interprets statutes, providing guidance for agency staff or regulated parties, but that lacks the force and effect of law and therefore is not binding on individuals.

• A. Legislative rule
• B. Procedural rule
• C. Adjudicative rule
• D. Interpretative rule

Answer: (D)

Interpreting statutes through interpretative rules is about clarifying how the agency reads the law and how it will apply it, rather than creating new binding obligations. These rules provide guidance for both agency staff and regulated parties, helping them understand the statute’s meaning, but they do not have the force of law and aren’t binding on individuals. This distinguishes them from legislative rules, which actually establish legal duties and require formal rulemaking; procedural rules, which govern the agency’s processes; and adjudicative rules, which apply to specific cases and outcomes. So, the interpretative rule best fits because its purpose is to explain and guide interpretation without imposing binding requirements.