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 mandates that when interpreting a provision of state law—defined to include state statutes, agency rules, and guidance documents—reviewing court judges must do so de novo, without deferring to the interpretations of state agencies. Additionally, in cases involving ambiguous provisions of state law, judges are required to resolve such 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 that necessitate the interpretation of state law provisions. Like reviewing court judges, administrative law judges must interpret these 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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