SD SB134

State courts and administrative hearing officers are prohibited from deferring to state agency interpretations of statutes, rules, or policies, and must instead interpret meaning and effect de novo (independently)

Agency interpretations may be considered but cannot be given special weight or deference in judicial or administrative proceedings

When ambiguity remains after applying standard interpretation tools, courts must resolve doubt in favor of interpretations protecting individual fundamental constitutional rights

Amends existing law (§ 1-26-37) to clarify that Supreme Court appeals from circuit court are not de novo except as required by the new interpretation standard

Adds new section to Chapter 15-1 establishing these interpretation requirements for all actions involving state agencies