TX HB4501

Prohibits courts from using "intentionalism" when interpreting statutes, requiring them to enforce statutory text based on ordinary English meaning rather than inquiring into legislators' intent

Bars courts from considering legislative history when interpreting statutes, including statements from bill authors/sponsors, committee reports, floor debate comments, and governor signing statements

Eliminates required judicial deference to state agency interpretations of statutes, though courts may still consider agency constructions that are reasonable and consistent with plain statutory language

Establishes comprehensive severability rules requiring that if any portion of a statute is found invalid, preempted, or unconstitutional, all remaining valid applications must be preserved and enforced

Repeals existing Government Code provisions related to legislative intent (Sections 311.021, 311.023, 311.032, 312.005, 312.006, 312.012, and 312.013) and clarifies that "shall" imposes a non-discretionary duty while "must" imposes a requirement