H.B. 2470 Summary

• Allows agencies to deny contested case hearings when a party raises claims identical or substantially similar to matters already finally adjudicated, unless the party presents newly discovered evidence that could not have been discovered earlier and would change the outcome.

• Requires denials of contested case hearings to identify the previous administrative matter, reference the prior cause of action, and include findings that it was finally adjudicated.

• Expands the vexatious litigant statute to include administrative contested case proceedings under chapter 91, allowing courts to designate parties as vexatious litigants based on frivolous administrative filings and proceedings.

• Defines "court" in the vexatious litigant statute to include tribunals in contested case proceedings and adds "defendant" definitions to encompass respondents in contested case proceedings.

• Effective July 1, 3000.