Administrative Procedures Act; modifying procedures for judicial review; adding grounds for disqualification of examiner or member; modifying certain hearing procedures. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 542 amends Oklahoma's Administrative Procedures Act to improve transparency and efficiency in agency proceedings. It requires agencies to issue or deny clarifying rulings within 120 days, mandates that all parties receive copies of hearing notices, and adds new grounds for disqualifying hearing examiners (such as improper appointment or failure to take an oath). The bill also increases attorney fees for winning parties in certain cases and imposes triple fees for failing to transmit required records. These changes directly affect agencies, hearing examiners, and individuals participating in administrative hearings.