The proposed bill introduces the Judicial Deference Reform Act, which aims to ensure that state courts and administrative hearing officers interpret state statutes, regulations, and sub-regulatory documents independently, without deferring to state agency interpretations. The bill includes definitions for key terms such as "state agency," "sub-regulatory document," and "de novo," and establishes a prohibition on judicial deference to state agency interpretations. Courts and hearing officers are required to interpret these legal documents using customary tools of interpretation, and in cases of ambiguity, they must favor interpretations that limit agency power and protect individual liberties.

Additionally, the bill outlines the applicability of the act, stating that it applies to all actions initiated after its effective date of July 1, 2026, and clarifies that it does not apply to federal statutes or actions involving federal agencies unless state courts are authorized to interpret federal law. The act also includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any provision is found invalid, the remainder of the article remains unaffected. Overall, the Judicial Deference Reform Act seeks to enhance judicial independence and prioritize individual rights in legal interpretations involving state agencies.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-22-1, 55-22-2, 55-22-3, 55-22-4, 55-22-5, 55-22-6, 55-22-7, 55-22-8