HB 2523 Summary

• Amends the contested case notice requirement to specify notice must be given at least 20 days "before" the hearing date instead of "prior to."

• Adds a new requirement that settlement conferences or mediation opportunities be offered to all parties unless both parties or the hearing officer decline.

• Allows parties to seek disposition by motion when no genuine issue of material fact exists in a contested case.

• Expands the definition of "agency" in the private right of action provision to apply to all agencies, not just the Department of Environmental Quality.

• Modifies frivolous appeal standards to allow assessment of costs and fees against either party or agency when an administrative law judge finds an appealable agency action is frivolous or when an agency loses after initially prevailing in an appeals board decision.