Bill > LD1408

This bill establishes a new legal standard for how courts should interpret statutes and rules administered by state agencies in Maine. The bill creates a two-part test for judicial review of agency interpretations: First, if a statute or rule is clear and unambiguous (meaning its meaning is not reasonably open to different interpretations), courts must apply its plain meaning. Second, if a statute or rule is found to be ambiguous, courts must defer to the agency's interpretation, but only if two conditions are met: the interpretation relates to issues within the agency's area of expertise, and the interpretation is reasonable. Importantly, the bill does not completely limit judicial discretion, as it explicitly states that other forms of judicial deference to agency expertise are still possible. This legislation codifies what is known as the "Chevron deference" doctrine, which originated from a U.S. Supreme Court case and has been a principle in administrative law, now being formally established in Maine state law. The bill aims to provide a more structured approach to how courts evaluate agency interpretations of laws and regulations they are responsible for implementing.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1408&snum=132