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AL SB167

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Arthur Orr

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Section 41-22-20 of the Alabama Code to eliminate judicial deference to agency interpretations of statutes and rules
  • Courts may consider but shall not defer to an agency's interpretation and must interpret meaning and effect without any presumption of correctness
  • After applying all customary tools of interpretation, courts must exercise any remaining doubt in favor of a reasonable interpretation in actions involving agencies
  • Removes existing language stating that agency orders shall be taken as "prima facie just and reasonable" and that courts shall not substitute judgment for agencies on factual questions
  • Effective date: October 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Alabama Administrative Procedure Act; standard of judicial review revised regarding agency's interpretation of law

Administrative Law and Procedures

Last Action

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar

2/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/5/2026
Finance and Taxation General Fund1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available