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Bill

HB 606

Relating to de novo review and interpretation of state laws and state agency rules by reviewing court judges and administrative law judges.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Brian Harrison

HB 606 requires courts to independently review state law and agency rule interpretations rather than deferring to agency expertise, shifting regulatory authority toward judges.

Referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency
#courts--judges(i0140) #stateagencies'rules(s0346) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749) #boards&commissions--admin.procedure(i0763)
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Bill Summary · HB 606

Legislative bill overview

HB 606 modifies the standard of review that courts and administrative law judges must apply when interpreting state laws and agency rules. Rather than deferring to agency interpretations under the current "Chevron deference" framework, the bill would require de novo (fresh, independent) review of how agencies interpret and apply state statutes and administrative rules.

Why is this important

This change affects how much weight judges give to agency expertise and interpretations. It could significantly shift power from executive agencies to courts, potentially making it easier to challenge regulatory decisions and interpretations. The outcome could either increase judicial consistency in law interpretation or reduce deference to specialized agency knowledge, depending on perspective.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial workload: De novo review requires judges to independently evaluate complex regulatory matters, which could increase court caseloads and costs
  • Agency expertise vs. judicial authority: Tension between respecting agencies' specialized knowledge and technical expertise versus preserving judicial independence in statutory interpretation
  • Predictability and stability: Removing deference frameworks could lead to more variable outcomes across courts, creating uncertainty for businesses and citizens relying on consistent agency guidance
  • Legislative intent: Disagreement over whether this reflects proper separation of powers or undermines the executive branch's authority to implement laws

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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