This bill amends the Iowa Administrative Procedure Act, specifically focusing on the interpretation of law in administrative and judicial proceedings. It modifies Section 17A.19 by removing provisions that allow for agency discretion in interpreting laws and instead establishes that courts must reverse or modify agency actions based on erroneous interpretations of law. The bill eliminates certain paragraphs and subsections that previously outlined the standards for judicial review and the degree of deference given to agency interpretations.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement in Section 17A.23, stating that courts and presiding officers in contested cases must not defer to an agency's interpretation of statutes or rules. Instead, they are mandated to interpret these laws de novo, meaning they will assess the meaning and effect independently. Furthermore, in cases involving agencies, the court or officer must apply customary interpretation tools and resolve any remaining doubts in favor of interpretations that limit agency authority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17A.19, 17A.23