Senate Bill No. 918 amends the Administrative Procedures Act, specifically 75 O.S. 2021, Section 318, to enhance the judicial review process for final agency orders. The bill clarifies that any party aggrieved by a final agency order is entitled to a prompt and thorough judicial review, while also allowing for other means of review as provided by constitutional provisions. It specifies that judicial review for certain agencies will follow appellate procedures in the Supreme Court of Oklahoma, while other reviews will be initiated in the district court where the aggrieved party resides or where the affected property is located. Additionally, the bill allows for the recovery of court costs and attorney fees for both parties if the court finds the proceedings to be frivolous.

A significant addition in the bill is the requirement that courts or officers interpreting state statutes, administrative rules, or regulations will not defer to the agency's interpretation but will instead interpret them de novo. This means that the reviewing court will independently assess the meaning and effect of the law, favoring interpretations that limit agency power and enhance individual liberty. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.