H.B. No. 606 introduces new provisions regarding the de novo review and interpretation of state laws and agency rules by both reviewing court judges and administrative law judges in Texas. The bill adds Section 21.013 to Subtitle A, Chapter 21 of the Government Code, which defines "provision of state law" to include state statutes, agency rules, and guidance documents issued by state agencies. It mandates that reviewing court judges interpret these provisions de novo, meaning they do not defer to state agency interpretations. Additionally, in cases involving ambiguous state law provisions, judges are required to resolve ambiguities in a manner that limits state agency authority.

Furthermore, the bill adds Section 2003.026 to Subchapter B, Chapter 2003 of the Government Code, which imposes similar requirements on administrative law judges during hearings. These judges must also interpret state law provisions de novo and resolve ambiguities in favor of limiting state agency authority. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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