Government Code §311.016

In force on Dec 31, 2019 · this text took effect May 23, 1997 · same as today's text

"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.

History: Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 220, Sec. 1, eff. May 23, 1997.

Source: the Legislature's file server, seen Oct 18, 2019 to Nov 08, 2026.

Every version on file

Effective May 23, 1997 · seen Oct 2019–Nov 2026

Attorney General opinions that cite it

KP-0318 (Dec 31, 2019): Authority of a judge of a court of record to appoint an official court recorder in lieu of an official court reporter
GA-1080 (Mar 26, 2014): Whether school districts are exempt from the municipal drainage charge under the Municipal Drainage Utility Systems Act
GA-1001 (Oct 25, 2012): Whether a commissioners court may change the designated day of the week it convenes during the current fiscal year under section 81.005 ofthe Local Government Code Post Office Box 869 Lockhart, Texas 78644
GA-0997 (Oct 09, 2012): Whether a district attorney may, pursuant to section 41.005, Government Code, retain a commission on bond forfeiture collection
GA-0799 (Feb 04, 2010): Compensation of judges serving on a juvenile board

A research copy. The official text is the Legislature's (statutes), the Secretary of State's (Texas Administrative Code) or eCFR's (federal rules). Not legal advice.