(a) Powers and duties.--The commission shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), to adopt rules and regulations pursuant to this act regarding:

(i) The submission, review and approval of county intermediate punishment plans.

(ii) Standards for the development, operation and evaluation of programs and services. In promulgating regulations under this subparagraph, the commission shall consider comments submitted by the counties.

(iii) The administration and disbursement of funds under this chapter.

(2) To provide training and technical assistance to boards and program staff.

(3) To ensure that all programs are in compliance with applicable Federal, State and local law.

(4) To monitor county intermediate punishment programs to determine their impact on offenders.

(5) To remit funds as provided for under section 9808 (relating to funding and audits).

(b) Interim regulations.--Pending adoption and publication of final rules and regulations, the commission shall have the power and authority to suspend existing regulations and to promulgate, adopt, publish and use interim regulations for the implementation of this chapter for a period of one year immediately following the effective date of this chapter or until the effective date of final rules and regulations, whichever first occurs. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the interim regulations proposed under the authority of this section shall be subject to review by the Office of General Counsel and the Attorney General in the manner provided for the review of proposed rules and regulations pursuant to the act of October 15, 1980 (P.L.950, No.164), known as the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, and shall not be subject to review pursuant to the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633, No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.