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Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2025

6/11/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1605

Bill 119 HR 1605, also known as the "Judicial Review of Agency Interpretations Act," aims to amend title 5 of the United States Code in order to provide clarity on the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions.

The bill seeks to address the issue of ambiguity and inconsistency in how courts review agency interpretations of laws and regulations. It aims to establish a clear standard for judicial review that ensures agencies are held accountable for their interpretations while also allowing for deference to their expertise in certain cases.

Specifically, the bill outlines that courts should review agency interpretations of statutes and regulations de novo, meaning they should give no deference to the agency's interpretation and instead interpret the law themselves. However, the bill also allows for courts to give deference to an agency's interpretation if certain conditions are met, such as if the interpretation is based on the agency's expertise or if the interpretation is reasonable. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 1605 is to provide a more consistent and transparent framework for judicial review of agency interpretations, ensuring that agencies are held accountable while also recognizing their expertise in certain matters.

Congressional Summary of HR 1605

Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2025 or the SOPRA

This bill modifies the scope of judicial review of agency actions to authorize courts reviewing agency actions to decide de novo (i.e., without giving deference to the agency's interpretation) all relevant questions of law, including the interpretation of (1) constitutional and statutory provisions, and (2) rules made by agencies.

No law may exempt a civil action from the standard of review required by this bill except by specific reference to such provision.

Current Status of Bill HR 1605

Bill HR 1605 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 26, 2025. Bill HR 1605 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 26, 2025.  Bill HR 1605's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 15 - 12. as of May 21, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1605

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1605

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Constitution and constitutional amendments
- Judicial review and appeals

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1605

To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions.
To amend title 5, United States Code, to clarify the nature of judicial review of agency interpretations of statutory and regulatory provisions.

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