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 outlines the process for delivering copies of the petition and the rights of parties not named as respondents.

A significant change introduced by the bill is the requirement that courts or officers reviewing administrative actions will not defer to state agency interpretations of statutes or rules. Instead, they will interpret these matters de novo, favoring interpretations that limit agency power and enhance individual liberty. The bill also allows for the recovery of court costs and attorney fees for both parties in cases deemed frivolous. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.