Judicial Deference Reform Act
| Model Bill Info | |
|---|---|
| Bill Title | Judicial Deference Reform Act |
| Date Introduced | June 16, 2020 |
| Date Finalized | August 9, 2020 |
| Type | Model Policy |
| Status | Final |
| Task Forces | Civil Justice |
Judicial Deference Reform Act
Section 1.
In interpreting a state statute, regulation, or other sub-regulatory document, a state court or an officer hearing an administrative action may not defer to a state agency’s interpretation of it, and must instead interpret its meaning and effect de novo. In actions brought by or against state agencies, after applying all customary tools of interpretation, the court or hearing officer must exercise any remaining doubt in favor of a reasonable interpretation which limits agency power and maximizes individual liberty.