Bill > SB819

This bill amends Oklahoma's Administrative Procedures Act to make several important changes to how administrative agency actions are reviewed by courts. First, it clarifies that a claim under the Administrative Procedures Act accrues when a plaintiff has the right to assert the claim in court, which is at the earliest the date the party is aggrieved by final agency action. The bill introduces a new requirement that when interpreting state statutes, administrative rules, or other documents, courts and administrative hearing officers must provide a "de novo" interpretation, meaning they will independently interpret the law without deferring to the agency's interpretation. Additionally, when interpreting laws, courts must resolve any remaining doubts in a way that limits agency power and maximizes individual liberty. The bill also restricts civil penalties in certain administrative actions, requiring that such penalties can only be awarded after a jury trial for conduct that would typically be subject to a common law suit. These changes aim to provide more robust judicial review of administrative actions, give more power to courts in interpreting laws, and protect individuals from potentially overreaching administrative agencies. The bill will become effective on November 1, 2025.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb819&Session=2600