This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 2-2-10a, to the Code of West Virginia, 1931, which focuses on the interpretation of statutes, regulations, and rules by courts and administrative judges. The bill stipulates that when interpreting a state statute or regulation, courts and administrative officers are prohibited from deferring to a state agency's interpretation. Instead, they are required to interpret the meaning and effect of the statute or regulation de novo, meaning from the beginning or anew.

Furthermore, in cases involving state agencies, the bill mandates that after utilizing all customary tools of interpretation, any remaining ambiguity must be resolved in favor of a reasonable interpretation that limits the power of the agency and maximizes individual liberty. This legislative change aims to enhance judicial independence and protect individual rights by ensuring that agency interpretations do not overshadow the courts' role in statutory interpretation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 2-2-10a