KY HB659

Raises the standard of proof in administrative hearings from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence" for all cases unless a higher standard is required by law

Requires agencies to award costs and reasonable attorney's fees to any party that prevails against the agency in an action initiated by that agency

Allows hearing officers to issue recommended orders without a full hearing when there are no genuine issues of material fact in dispute and judgment is appropriate as a matter of law

Applies these changes to general administrative hearings under KRS 13B.090, water resources hearings under KRS 151.184, and environmental protection hearings under KRS 224.10-440