# Law No. 7388 of October 23, 1985

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105649855](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105649855)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-7388-of-october-23-1985

## Summary
Law No. 7388 of October 23, 1985, is a Brazilian statute enacted during the presidency of José Sarney. It primarily addresses the staff organization of the Superintendence for the Development of the Northeast (SUDENE) and includes additional administrative provisions. As a public domain legal document, it reflects Brazil’s governance structure and regulatory framework for regional development.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** October 23, 1985.
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil.
- **Approved By:** President José Sarney.
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 7388/1985.
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Focus Areas:** SUDENE staff organization, administrative procedures.
- **Related Entities:** Presidency of Brazil, SUDENE, National Congress.
- **Legal Digest:** "Dispõe sobre a tabela de pessoal da Superintendência do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste – SUDENE e dá outras providências" (Regulates the staff table of SUDENE and provides other provisions).
- **Public Domain Status:** Not subject to copyright under Brazilian law.
- **LexML Identifier:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1985-10-23;7388.
- **Publication Location:** Brasília.

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 7388?**  
This law establishes the staff framework for SUDENE, a key agency for Northeast Brazil’s development, and outlines related administrative measures.

**Who approved Law No. 7388?**  
It was promulgated by President José Sarney on October 23, 1985, as part of his executive authority under Brazil’s federal system.

**Does this law apply nationally?**  
Yes, it applies to the entirety of Brazil, though its focus on SUDENE specifically targets Northeast regional development initiatives.

**Is Law No. 7388 still in effect?**  
The source material does not specify repeal or expiration, indicating it remains part of Brazil’s active legal code unless superseded by later legislation.

**Why is SUDENE significant in this context?**  
SUDENE is a major federal agency tasked with promoting economic growth in Brazil’s Northeast region, making this law critical to its operational structure and resource allocation.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 7388 is integral to Brazil’s administrative history, as it formalized SUDENE’s workforce structure during a period of democratic transition post-military rule. By regulating personnel and procedural aspects of a pivotal development agency, the law underscores the government’s commitment to regional equity and economic planning. Its enactment under President Sarney highlights the executive branch’s role in shaping institutional frameworks, ensuring continuity in long-term development strategies. As a public document, it exemplifies transparency in governance and serves as a reference for subsequent reforms in regional policy.

## Notable For
- **Structural Governance:** Defines SUDENE’s organizational backbone during Brazil’s redemocratization era.
- **Presidential Legacy:** Reflects José Sarney’s administrative policies during his 1985–1990 presidency.
- **Regional Focus:** Emphasizes Northeast Brazil’s unique development challenges and federal intervention strategies.
- **Legal Accessibility:** Public domain status ensures free access to the law, aligning with Brazil’s open governance principles.

## Body

### History and Legislative Context
Law No. 7388 was enacted on October 23, 1985, under President José Sarney, who assumed office following Brazil’s transition to civilian rule after the 1964–1985 military dictatorship. This period marked significant institutional restructuring, with SUDENE playing a central role in addressing historical disparities in the Northeast region. The law’s passage coincided with broader efforts to stabilize democratic governance and promote equitable development through targeted federal agencies.

### Legal Provisions and Scope
The statute’s primary objective is to regulate SUDENE’s staffing framework, including personnel classifications, roles, and administrative protocols. Key provisions include:
- **Staff Organization:** Detailed tables outlining positions, responsibilities, and hierarchies within SUDENE.
- **Operational Guidelines:** Procedures for resource allocation, project implementation, and interagency coordination.
- **Amendments and Updates:** Flexibility for future adjustments to align with evolving regional needs and national policies.

### Administrative Impact
By formalizing SUDENE’s operational structure, Law No. 7388 enhanced the agency’s capacity to execute regional development programs. This included initiatives such as infrastructure investments, social services expansion, and economic diversification in the Northeast. The law’s emphasis on clear administrative procedures aimed to improve accountability and efficiency, reflecting broader reforms in Brazil’s public sector during the 1980s.

### Legacy and Relevance
As of the latest source data, Law No. 7388 remains a foundational reference for SUDENE’s activities and Northeast development policy. Its provisions have influenced subsequent legislation and institutional reforms, underscoring the enduring challenge of balancing regional growth with national priorities. The law’s public domain status ensures its accessibility for legal, academic, and civic engagement, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of Brazil’s administrative law canon.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1985-10-23;7388)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=7388&ano=1985&data=23/10/1985&ato=1e9ATV65keBpWT60c)
3. LexML Brasil