MT HB52

Courts reviewing agency decisions must decide all questions of law de novo, without deference to the agency's interpretation of statutes, rules, or prior agency interpretations

When ambiguity remains after applying standard interpretive tools, courts must favor interpretations that limit agency power and maximize individual liberty

Agencies may only adopt rules that implement "legislative intent" rather than the previous broader authority to "interpret or prescribe law"

All stipulations, agreed settlements, and contested case proceedings must be published on the State of Montana website in a searchable format

Declaratory judgment actions challenging rules must be brought in the district court where the plaintiff resides or has a principal place of business, removing the option to file where the agency is headquartered