HB 113 – Strict interpretation of laws

HB 113 reforms how Texas courts interpret state laws by requiring strict adherence to the actual wording of statutes. It explicitly prohibits judges from considering legislative intent, historical context, or agency interpretations unless the text is unclear. By removing tools like committee reports and sponsor comments from judicial review, the bill reinforces textualism—ensuring laws mean exactly what they say, no more, no less. It strengthens the role of plain meaning in legal interpretation. The bill also shields lawful provisions from being thrown out if a single part is found unconstitutional, preserving as much of a statute as possible. This limits activist judges and bureaucrats from stopping good legislation through reinterpretation. It promotes accountability by ensuring that only the legislature—not courts or agencies—create binding law.