Penal Code §1.05

(a) The rule that a penal statute is to be strictly construed does not apply to this code. The provisions of this code shall be construed according to the fair import of their terms, to promote justice and effect the objectives of the code. (b) Unless a different construction is required by the context, Sections 311.011 , 311.012 , 311.014 , 311.015 , and 311.021 through 311.032 of Chapter 311 , Government Code (Code Construction Act), apply to the construction of this code. (c) In this code: (1) a reference to a title, chapter, or section without further identification is a reference to a title, chapter, or section of this code; and (2) a reference to a subchapter, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, or other numbered or lettered unit without further identification is a reference to a unit of the next-larger unit of this code in which the reference appears.