Bill > SB944

This bill changes how Texas courts review legal interpretations made by state agencies, significantly reducing the judicial deference previously given to agency interpretations of laws and rules. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that courts automatically defer to a state agency's construction or interpretation of a statute, instead mandating that courts conduct a "de novo" review of legal questions - meaning they will review legal issues completely anew without giving automatic weight to the agency's perspective. While courts are not prohibited from considering an agency's legal determination, they are now required to independently assess whether the agency's interpretation is reasonable and does not conflict with the plain language of the statute. The bill applies to various legal proceedings involving state agencies, including judicial reviews, contested cases, and declaratory judgments, and will take effect either immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature or on September 1, 2025, if it does not. This change represents a significant shift in the balance of power between state agencies and courts, giving judicial bodies more direct authority to interpret laws independently of agency interpretations.

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https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB944