Tex. Gov't Code § 311.016 : GOVERNMENT CODE — LEGISLATIVE BRANCH — LEGISLATION — CODE CONSTRUCTION ACT — CONSTRUCTION OF WORDS AND PHRASES — "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.
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