The bill amends Section 42-35-15 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-35, which pertains to "Administrative Procedures." It establishes that any person, including small businesses, who has exhausted all administrative remedies and is aggrieved by a final order in a contested case is entitled to judicial review. The bill clarifies that the review process can be initiated by filing a complaint in the appropriate superior court within thirty days of receiving notice of the agency's final decision. It also stipulates that the filing of a complaint does not automatically stay the enforcement of the agency's order, although a stay may be granted under certain conditions.

Significantly, the bill introduces new legal language stating that in a proceeding brought by or against a regulated party, the court shall decide all questions of law, including the interpretation of constitutional or statutory provisions or agency rules, without deference to any previous determination that may have been made on the question by the agency. This change emphasizes the court's authority to interpret the law independently of the agency's interpretations. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5722: 42-35-15