SB 1459 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 12-910 regarding the scope of judicial review for final administrative decisions.

• Allows courts to admit relevant exhibits and testimony not offered during administrative hearings, and consider objections previously not raised, unless withheld for improper purposes or would substantially prejudice another party.

• Clarifies that courts reviewing administrative decisions must decide all questions of law without deference to agency determinations, and may only affirm agency action if it is supported by substantial evidence and not contrary to law, arbitrary and capricious, or an abuse of discretion.

• Excludes from these provisions any agency action arising under title 40, chapter 2, article 5 or 6.2 of Arizona law.