TX SB1796

Courts are prohibited from using "intentionalism" when interpreting statutes, meaning they cannot inquire into what legislators intended and must instead enforce statutory text based on the ordinary meaning of words to an English speaker

Courts are barred from considering, citing, or relying on legislative history, including individual legislator statements, bill author/sponsor statements, committee reports, floor debate comments, and governor signing statements

Establishes comprehensive severability rules requiring that if any part of a statute is found invalid, preempted, or unconstitutional, all remaining valid applications must be preserved and enforced; courts cannot refuse severability on grounds it would "rewrite" the statute

Clarifies that "shall" imposes a mandatory duty (not discretionary) and "must" both imposes requirements and creates duties or conditions precedent

Repeals existing statutory interpretation provisions in Government Code Sections 311.021, 311.023, 311.032, 312.005, 312.006, 312.012, and 312.013; effective September 1, 2025