An Act To Codify Judicial Deference To Agency Interpretations

LD 1408 codifies how courts must review state agency interpretations of laws and rules. It requires courts to first follow the clear meaning of a law or rule. If the wording is unclear, courts must defer to the agency’s interpretation only if the issue falls within the agency’s expertise and its interpretation is reasonable. This bill directly affects state courts and agencies by establishing a clear standard for judicial review of agency actions.