Tex. Gov't Code § 311.016

Current with legislation from the 2023 Regular and Special Sessions signed by the Governor as of November 21, 2023.

Section 311.016 - "May," "Shall," "Must," Etc

The following constructions apply unless the context in which the word or phrase appears necessarily requires a different construction or unless a different construction is expressly provided by statute:

(1) "May" creates discretionary authority or grants permission or a power.

(2) "Shall" imposes a duty.

(3) "Must" creates or recognizes a condition precedent.

(4) "Is entitled to" creates or recognizes a right.

(5) "May not" imposes a prohibition and is synonymous with "shall not."

(6) "Is not entitled to" negates a right.

(7) "Is not required to" negates a duty or condition precedent.

Tex. Gov't. Code § 311.016

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 220, Sec. 1, eff. 5/23/1997.