S.B. 3159 Summary

• Prohibits agencies from holding contested case hearings on matters identical to or arising from the same factual situation as a previously adjudicated administrative matter, unless new evidence is discovered that could not have been presented at the prior hearing.

• Requires agencies denying a contested case hearing under this provision to issue written findings of facts and conclusions of law.

• Expands the vexatious litigant statute (Chapter 634J) to include administrative contested case proceedings under Chapter 91, allowing restrictions on plaintiffs who have commenced five or more contested cases or who attempt to relitigate already-decided matters in bad faith.

• Amends the definition of "court" to include tribunals in contested case proceedings and defines "court of last resort" as any Hawaii court where no further appeal is available.

• Effective April 14, 2112.