Texas Senate Bill SB944

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

• Filed: 1/27/25

Caption

Relating to judicial deference regarding an interpretation of law by a state agency.

Impact

The passage of SB944 would significantly alter the interaction between judicial systems and state agencies in Texas. By removing mandatory deference, courts would have more autonomy in interpreting laws without being bound by agency interpretations, which supporters argue enhances the judiciary's role in maintaining checks and balances. This could lead to increased scrutiny of agency actions and potentially greater accountability. Furthermore, the changes will apply to all subsequent judicial reviews after the effective date, signaling a fundamental shift in the legal landscape governing agency oversight.

Summary

Senate Bill 944, known for addressing judicial deference related to the interpretations of law by state agencies, seeks to clarify the extent to which courts must defer to state agencies' statutory constructions. The bill introduces provisions that explicitly state that courts are not required to grant deference to an agency’s interpretation, laying out specific conditions under which courts can review agency determinations. It emphasizes that while courts may consider agency constructions, they are not obligated to do so if those interpretations conflict with the statute's plain language.

Contention

While proponents view the bill as a move towards greater judicial independence and a necessary check on bureaucracy, critics raise concerns about the potential negative implications for effective governance. Opponents argue that this could lead to increased litigation against state agencies and disrupt the consistency of legal interpretations that have been traditionally upheld. They worry that reducing deference might hinder agencies' ability to execute their legislative mandates effectively, leading to confusion and inconsistency in the application of the law.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

• Chapter 311. Code Construction Act
  • Section: New Section

• Chapter 2001. Administrative Procedure
  • Section: New Section