Texas House Bill HB4126

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/23/09

Caption

Relating to the construction of nonsubstantive codifications and revisions of statutes.

Impact

The potential impact of HB4126 includes streamlining how nonsubstantive revisions are viewed by courts and executive agencies. The bill mandates that these revisions shall not alter the original meaning or effect of the statutes. By reinforcing that any omissions or changes during codification are considered unintended, the legislation aims to protect against misinterpretations that could arise post-revision. This could ultimately lead to a more stable legal environment in Texas, where statutes are clearer and more accessible to interpretation.

Summary

House Bill 4126 aims to provide clarity about the construction and interpretation of nonsubstantive codifications and revisions of statutes in Texas. The bill amends existing laws to outline the jurisdiction of the Texas Supreme Court in cases where statutes have been enacted for the purpose of codifying or revising without substantive changes. This provision is intended to ensure that the meanings of the statutes are preserved even when they undergo technical updates and reflect the legislative intent that no changes to substantive law have occurred.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB4126 is the concern about its implications for future legislative revisions. Critics may argue that while the bill seeks to ensure consistency, it could inadvertently restrict the legislature's flexibility to modify existing laws when needed. The bill's supporters would counter that this approach preserves historical legal interpretations and prevents confusion that might arise from ambiguous statutory changes. Thus, the dialogue around HB4126 reflects broader themes of legal clarity versus legislative adaptability.