The difference between California's laws and the Department of Pesticide Regulation's regulations is that laws are ________.

California's laws are established through a legislative process that requires approval from the California legislature. This means that laws are formally debated, voted on, and enacted by elected representatives, thus reflecting the will of the public and the democratic process. This distinction is critical because it underlines the authority and legitimacy of laws compared to regulations, which are typically developed by state agencies, such as the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).

Regulations, on the other hand, are specific guidelines or rules set by governmental agencies to implement the laws effectively. While the DPR does adopt and enforce regulations concerning pesticide use, these regulations must align with the overarching laws passed by the legislature, making the legislative process foundational to the state's regulatory framework.

The involvement of County Agricultural Commissioners pertains to the enforcement of both laws and regulations, but does not impact how those laws are created. Similarly, private pesticide companies are obligated to comply with the laws and regulations but do not have a role in their creation. This context reinforces the importance of understanding the distinction between laws, which require a legislative mandate, and regulations, which are administrative in nature.