Texas Senate Bill SB2371

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to judicial deference regarding an interpretation of law by a state agency.

Impact

The implications of SB 2371 are significant for legal proceedings involving state agencies. By removing deference, the bill recalibrates the relationship between the judiciary and state agencies, positioning courts as the primary interpreters of the law. This shift could lead to more rigorous judicial scrutiny of agency regulations and decisions, potentially opening the door for increased court challenges to agency rules. As a result, state agencies may need to reconsider how they formulate and present their interpretations, knowing they will not automatically receive judicial support.

Summary

Senate Bill 2371 aims to modify the way courts interact with interpretations of laws by state agencies. Specifically, it proposes that courts should not give deference to any construction or interpretation of statutes made by the state agencies tasked with their administration. This change is aimed at ensuring that judicial review is conducted independently from agency interpretations, thereby promoting an objective assessment of legal matters brought to court. Proponents of the bill argue that it enhances judicial integrity by requiring courts to evaluate legal interpretations afresh without being influenced by agency opinions.

Contention

Supporters of SB 2371 highlight its potential to rectify perceived abuses of authority by regulatory agencies, arguing that it is essential to maintain checks on agency power and ensure that the judicial system remains the ultimate arbiter of law. Conversely, opponents express concerns that the bill could undermine the efficiency of regulatory processes and create uncertainty within the administrative framework. They warn that without judicial deference, agencies may face greater litigation risks, potentially leading to inconsistent legal interpretations across different jurisdictions as courts adopt varying standards of review.