Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7384

Introduced
1/28/26  

Caption

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

Impact

The proposed changes in H7384 would significantly alter the landscape of judicial review in Rhode Island. By eliminating the requirement for courts to defer to agency interpretations, the bill empowers the judiciary to independently evaluate legal questions without bias from previous agency rulings. This shift could lead to more consistent legal interpretations across cases and reinforce the judiciary's authority over administrative agencies. As a result, this bill has the potential to affect how agencies operate and interact with individuals and businesses that contest their decisions.

Summary

House Bill H7384 is legislation introduced to modify the Administrative Procedures Act, specifically focusing on the judicial review of contested cases. This act aims to allow individuals and small businesses that are aggrieved by agency decisions to seek judicial review without the need for the court to defer to any prior determinations made by the agency concerning the interpretation of the law. The intention is to enhance transparency and accountability in administrative proceedings, ensuring that legal interpretations are thoroughly examined by the judiciary.

Contention

The potential impact of H7384 has sparked discussions among lawmakers and stakeholders. Supporters argue that this bill strengthens the rights of individuals and businesses, ensuring that they have a fair opportunity to challenge agency decisions. However, critics have expressed concerns over the implications of removing deference from agency decisions, arguing that it may overwhelm the court system with disputes and hinder agency efficiency. Additionally, there is apprehension that this could undermine the specialized knowledge that agencies possess in their respective fields, which serves as a crucial element in administrative decision-making.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5722

Amends the administrative procedures act and provides that on the review of an agency decision by a court upon appeal, the court shall decide questions of law without deference to any previous determination or interpretation of the law by the agency.

RI H5085

Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated before it can become effective.

RI S0852

Requires that all agencies' final rules, promulgated pursuant to the administrative procedures act, be approved by general assembly action, but in no case later than December 31 of the year it is promulgated before it can become effective.

RI H5445

Directs the office of law revision to identify, on a yearly basis, any decisions or holdings of the United States Supreme Court that would require amendments to any state statutes.

RI H6286

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI S1152

Provides that law enforcement officers who appears before the court for prosecution of a violation of a protective order shall self-certify that the officer has successfully completed a specialized domestic violence prosecution training course.

RI S1134

Enacts the Kayden's Law setting guidelines and training for courts, judges and other professionals who make recommendations or decisions about visitation, custody, and placement of children when there are allegations of abuse.

RI H6385

Makes technical amendments to the general laws, prepared at the recommendation of the law revision office.

RI S1001

Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software on their hardware.

RI H5435

Prohibits state agencies from entering into software contracts that limit the agency's ability to install or run the software on their hardware.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.