This bill aims to limit the deference that courts give to state agencies when interpreting state statutes, administrative rules, or policies. It introduces a new provision stating that courts and administrative officers may consider a state agency's interpretation but are not required to defer to it. Instead, they must interpret the meaning and effect of the law independently (de novo). Additionally, in cases involving state agencies, courts are instructed to favor reasonable interpretations that align with individuals' fundamental constitutional rights when there is any remaining doubt after applying standard interpretative tools.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law regarding appeals from circuit court judgments. It specifies that while an aggrieved party or agency may appeal to the Supreme Court, the appeal must be treated like other civil cases. The Supreme Court is required to give the same deference to circuit court findings as it does in other appeals, but it cannot consider the appeal de novo, except as outlined in the new provisions of this Act.

Statutes affected:
Introduced, 01/29/2025: 1-26-37