Administrative Procedure Act Amendments of 1981

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Administrative Procedure Act Amendments of 1981 - Amends the Administrative Procedure Act to require the general notice of a proposed rulemaking to include certain information about the factual data on which the rule is based. Requires each agency to provide the public with an opportunity: (1) to present oral arguments concerning a proposed rule after publication of such general notice; and (2) to comment on any factual data which is developed during the rulemaking and which is likely to affect the final rule. Requires an agency's statement, incorporated in the final rule, to include agency responses to significant public comments. Directs each agency to establish a public file on each rulemaking proceeding, containing any notices, written data, written comments, and any other matter the agency is required to prepare for rulemaking. Creates a new procedure for administrative proceedings required by statute. Establishes an "expedited hearing procedure" for any proceeding predominantly concerned with general policy issues, including ratemaking, rulemaking and initial licensing proceedings. Requires formal hearings for proceedings concerning factual questions which require trial-type …