Texas SB1796 amends statutory construction rules, prohibiting courts from considering legislative intent or history when interpreting statutes.

Texas SB1796 amends the Texas Government Code to redefine statutory construction rules. Courts are prohibited from inquiring into legislative intent or using legislative history, including statements from legislators, committee reports, or statements from the governor, when interpreting statutes. Courts must enforce the statutory text as written, according to its ordinary meaning. The bill also mandates severability and saving constructions, allowing courts to sever invalid provisions while preserving valid ones. It takes effect on September 1, 2025.

Texas SB1796 amends statutory construction rules, prohibiting courts from considering legislative intent or history when interpreting statutes.

Texas SB1796 amends the Texas Government Code to redefine statutory construction rules. Courts are prohibited from inquiring into legislative intent or using legislative history, including statements from legislators, committee reports, or statements from the governor, when interpreting statutes. Courts must enforce the statutory text as written, according to its ordinary meaning. The bill also mandates severability and saving constructions, allowing courts to sever invalid provisions while preserving valid ones. It takes effect on September 1, 2025.