I intend to introduce legislation to require state agencies to pay attorney fees when an individual or business successfully challenges an agency-imposed fine/action in court (defensive purposes only). I have heard of far too many instances where a state agency has levied baseless fines against individuals and businesses. Although the individual or business would likely prevail if the fines were challenged in court, the costs associated with litigation would likely equal or exceed the value of the fines. Due to the impracticality of litigation, many individuals and businesses in this Commonwealth are compelled to pay the fine or settle to avoid the costs of litigation. These individuals and businesses are put no-win situations. 
 
I believe that this legislation will deter state agencies from imposing fines without sufficient evidence or legal justification and will ensure that these agencies are held accountable for improperly enforcing regulations or acting beyond their statutory authority. In other words, my legislation will encourage agency responsibility by encouraging agencies to pursue only those cases with strong legal foundations, thereby avoiding wasteful and unnecessary litigation.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this important bill to better serve our constituents and reinforce public confidence in the integrity and fairness of government.