Define the date rule.

Define the date rule.

• A. If two rules conflict, the more recent rule applies.
• B. The date rule requires the bill to be signed by the governor on a given date.
• C. The date rule sets the fiscal year’s start date for budgets.
• D. The date rule determines when a law becomes effective after publication.

Answer: (A)

The date rule is the principle that when two rules cover the same issue and conflict, the more recent rule governs. This is the lex posterior idea in action: newer rules are believed to reflect updated policy or legislative intent, so they take precedence over older ones to keep guidance current and prevent ambiguity. For example, if an earlier rule set a filing deadline of 10 days, and a later rule changes that deadline to 7 days, the newer, shorter deadline controls because it’s the more recent rule. The other options describe specific timing aspects (like when a bill must be signed, when a fiscal year starts, or when a law becomes effective after publication) rather than how to resolve conflicts between rules.

The date rule is the principle that when two rules cover the same issue and conflict, the more recent rule governs. This is the lex posterior idea in action: newer rules are believed to reflect updated policy or legislative intent, so they take precedence over older ones to keep guidance current and prevent ambiguity.

For example, if an earlier rule set a filing deadline of 10 days, and a later rule changes that deadline to 7 days, the newer, shorter deadline controls because it’s the more recent rule.

The other options describe specific timing aspects (like when a bill must be signed, when a fiscal year starts, or when a law becomes effective after publication) rather than how to resolve conflicts between rules.