SUBTITLE A. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE AND PRACTICE
CHAPTER 2001. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sec. 2001.001. PURPOSE.
It is the public policy of the state through this chapter to:
(1) provide minimum standards of uniform practice and procedure for state agencies;
(2) provide for public participation in the rulemaking process; and
(3) restate the law of judicial review of state agency action.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.002. SHORT TITLE. This chapter may be cited as the Administrative Procedure Act.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.003. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
(1) “Contested case” means a proceeding, including a ratemaking or licensing proceeding, in which the legal rights, duties, or privileges of a party are to be determined by a state agency after an opportunity for adjudicative hearing.
(2) “License” includes the whole or a part of a state agency permit, certificate, approval, registration, or similar form of permission required by law.
(3) “Licensing” includes a state agency process relating to the granting, denial, renewal, revocation, suspension, annulment, withdrawal, or amendment of a license.
(4) “Party” means a person or state agency named or admitted as a party.
(5) “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization that is not a state agency.
(6) “Rule”:
(A) means a state agency statement of general applicability that:
(i) implements, interprets, or prescribes law or policy; or
(ii) describes the procedure or practice requirements of a state agency;
(B) includes the amendment or repeal of a prior rule; and
(C) does not include a statement regarding only the internal management or organization of a state agency and not affecting private rights or procedures.
(7) “State agency” means a state officer, board, commission, or department with statewide jurisdiction that makes rules or determines contested cases. The term includes the State Office of Administrative Hearings for the purpose of determining contested cases. The term does not include:
(A) a state agency wholly financed by federal money;
(B) the legislature;
(C) the courts;
(D) the Texas Department of Insurance, as regards proceedings and activities under Title 5, Labor Code, of the department, the commissioner of insurance, or the commissioner of workers’ compensation; or
(E) an institution of higher education.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 265 (H.B. 7), Sec. 6.007, eff. September 1, 2005.
Sec. 2001.004. REQUIREMENT TO ADOPT RULES OF PRACTICE AND INDEX RULES, ORDERS, AND DECISIONS. In addition to other requirements under law, a state agency shall:
(1) adopt rules of practice stating the nature and requirements of all available formal and informal procedures;
(2) index, cross-index to statute, and make available for public inspection all rules and other written statements of policy or interpretations that are prepared, adopted, or used by the agency in discharging its functions; and
(3) index, cross-index to statute, and make available for public inspection all final orders, decisions, and opinions.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.0045. REQUIREMENT FOR RULE INCREASING COSTS TO REGULATED PERSONS. (a) In this section, “state agency” means a department, board, commission, committee, council, agency, office, or other entity in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government. This term does not include an agency under the authority of an elected officer of this state.
(b) A state agency rule proposal that contains more than one rule in a single rulemaking action is considered one rule for purposes of this section. Except as provided by Subsection (c), a state agency may not adopt a proposed rule for which the fiscal note for the notice required by Section 2001.024 states that the rule imposes a cost on regulated persons, including another state agency, a special district, or a local government, unless on or before the effective date of the proposed rule the state agency:
(1) repeals a rule that imposes a total cost on regulated persons that is equal to or greater than the total cost imposed on regulated persons by the proposed rule; or
(2) amends a rule to decrease the total cost imposed on regulated persons by an amount that is equal to or greater than the cost imposed on the persons by the proposed rule.
(c) This section does not apply to a rule that:
(1) relates to state agency procurement;
(2) is amended to:
(A) reduce the burden or responsibilities imposed on regulated persons by the rule; or
(B) decrease the persons’ cost for compliance with the rule;
(3) is adopted in response to a natural disaster;
(4) is necessary to receive a source of federal funds or to comply with federal law;
(5) is necessary to protect water resources of this state as authorized by the Water Code;
(6) is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of this state;
(7) is adopted by the Department of Family and Protective Services, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Parks and Wildlife Department, Public Utility Commission of Texas, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or Texas Racing Commission;
(8) is adopted by a self-directed semi-independent agency; or
(9) is necessary to implement legislation, unless the legislature specifically states this section applies to the rule.
(d) Each state agency that adopts a rule subject to this section shall comply with the requirements imposed by Subchapter B and Chapter 2002 for publication in the Texas Register.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 819 (H.B. 1290), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1087 (H.B. 1896), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Sec. 2001.005. RULE, ORDER, OR DECISION NOT EFFECTIVE UNTIL INDEXED. (a) A state agency rule, order, or decision made or issued on or after January 1, 1976, is not valid or effective against a person or party, and may not be invoked by an agency, until the agency has indexed the rule, order, or decision and made it available for public inspection as required by this chapter.
(b) This section does not apply in favor of a person or party that has actual knowledge of the rule, order, or decision.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.006. ACTIONS PREPARATORY TO IMPLEMENTATION OF STATUTE OR RULE. (a) In this section:
(1) “State agency” means a department, board, commission, committee, council, agency, office, or other entity in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of state government. The term includes an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code, and includes those entities excluded from the general definition of “state agency” under Section 2001.003(7).
(2) Legislation is considered to have “become law” if it has been passed by the legislature and:
(A) the governor has approved it;
(B) the governor has filed it with the secretary of state, having neither approved nor disapproved it;
(C) the time for gubernatorial action has expired under Section 14, Article IV, Texas Constitution, the governor having neither approved nor disapproved it; or
(D) the governor has disapproved it and the legislature has overridden the governor’s disapproval in accordance with Section 14, Article IV, Texas Constitution.
(b) In preparation for the implementation of legislation that has become law but has not taken effect, a state agency may adopt a rule or take other administrative action that the agency determines is necessary or appropriate and that the agency would have been authorized to take had the legislation been in effect at the time of the action.
(c) In preparation for the implementation of a rule that has been finally adopted by a state agency but has not taken effect, a state agency may take administrative action that the agency determines is necessary or appropriate and that the agency would have been authorized to take had the rule been in effect at the time of the action.
(d) A rule adopted under Subsection (b) may not take effect earlier than the legislation being implemented takes effect. Administrative action taken under Subsection (b) or (c) may not result in implementation or enforcement of the applicable legislation or rule before the legislation or rule takes effect.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 558, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2001.007. CERTAIN EXPLANATORY INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH INTERNET. (a) A state agency shall make available through a generally accessible Internet site:
(1) the text of its rules; and
(2) any material, such as a letter, opinion, or compliance manual, that explains or interprets one or more of its rules and that the agency has issued for general distribution to persons affected by one or more of its rules.
(b) A state agency shall design the generally accessible Internet site so that a member of the public may send questions about the agency’s rules to the agency electronically and receive responses to the questions from the agency electronically. If the agency’s rules and the agency’s explanatory and interpretive materials are made available at different Internet sites, both sites shall be designed in compliance with this subsection.
(c) Repealed by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 750, Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2006.
(d) A state agency may comply with this section through the actions of another agency, such as the secretary of state, on the agency’s behalf.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1233, Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 2001.006 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(63), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 750 (H.B. 2819), Sec. 2(a), eff. September 1, 2006.
SUBCHAPTER B. RULEMAKING
Sec. 2001.021. PETITION FOR ADOPTION OF RULES. (a) An interested person by petition to a state agency may request the adoption of a rule.
(b) A state agency by rule shall prescribe the form for a petition under this section and the procedure for its submission, consideration, and disposition. If a state agency requires signatures for a petition under this section, at least 51 percent of the total number of signatures required must be of residents of this state.
(c) Not later than the 60th day after the date of submission of a petition under this section, a state agency shall:
(1) deny the petition in writing, stating its reasons for the denial; or
(2) initiate a rulemaking proceeding under this subchapter.
(d) For the purposes of this section, an interested person must be:
(1) a resident of this state;
(2) a business entity located in this state;
(3) a governmental subdivision located in this state; or
(4) a public or private organization located in this state that is not a state agency.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 343 (H.B. 763), Sec. 1, eff. June 9, 2015.
Sec. 2001.022. LOCAL EMPLOYMENT IMPACT STATEMENTS. (a) A state agency shall determine whether a rule may affect a local economy before proposing the rule for adoption. If a state agency determines that a proposed rule may affect a local economy, the agency shall prepare a local employment impact statement for the proposed rule. The impact statement must describe in detail the probable effect of the rule on employment in each geographic area affected by the rule for each year of the first five years that the rule will be in effect and may include other factors at the agency’s discretion.
(b) This section does not apply to the adoption of an emergency rule.
(c) Failure to comply with this section does not impair the legal effect of a rule adopted under this chapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 871, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 2001.0221. GOVERNMENT GROWTH IMPACT STATEMENTS. (a) A state agency shall prepare a government growth impact statement for a proposed rule.
(b) A state agency shall reasonably describe in the government growth impact statement whether, during the first five years that the rule would be in effect:
(1) the proposed rule creates or eliminates a government program;
(2) implementation of the proposed rule requires the creation of new employee positions or the elimination of existing employee positions;
(3) implementation of the proposed rule requires an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency;
(4) the proposed rule requires an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency;
(5) the proposed rule creates a new regulation;
(6) the proposed rule expands, limits, or repeals an existing regulation;
(7) the proposed rule increases or decreases the number of individuals subject to the rule’s applicability; and
(8) the proposed rule positively or adversely affects this state’s economy.
(c) The comptroller shall adopt rules to implement this section. The rules must require that the government growth impact statement be in plain language. The comptroller may prescribe a chart that a state agency may use to disclose the items required under Subsection (b).
(d) Each state agency shall incorporate the impact statement into the notice required by Section 2001.024.
(e) Failure to comply with this section does not impair the legal effect of a rule adopted under this chapter.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 819 (H.B. 1290), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Sec. 2001.0225. REGULATORY ANALYSIS OF MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL RULES. (a) This section applies only to a major environmental rule adopted by a state agency, the result of which is to:
(1) exceed a standard set by federal law, unless the rule is specifically required by state law;
(2) exceed an express requirement of state law, unless the rule is specifically required by federal law;
(3) exceed a requirement of a delegation agreement or contract between the state and an agency or representative of the federal government to implement a state and federal program; or
(4) adopt a rule solely under the general powers of the agency instead of under a specific state law.
(b) Before adopting a major environmental rule subject to this section, a state agency shall conduct a regulatory analysis that:
(1) identifies the problem the rule is intended to address;
(2) determines whether a new rule is necessary to address the problem; and
(3) considers the benefits and costs of the proposed rule in relationship to state agencies, local governments, the public, the regulated community, and the environment.
(c) When giving notice of a major environmental rule subject to this section, a state agency shall incorporate into the fiscal note required by Section 2001.024 a draft impact analysis describing the anticipated effects of the proposed rule. The draft impact analysis, at a minimum, must:
(1) identify the benefits that the agency anticipates from adoption and implementation of the rule, including reduced risks to human health, safety, or the environment;
(2) identify the costs that the agency anticipates state agencies, local governments, the public, and the regulated community will experience after implementation of the rule;
(3) describe the benefits and costs anticipated from implementation of the rule in as quantitative a manner as feasible, but including a qualitative description when a quantitative description is not feasible or adequately descriptive;
(4) describe reasonable alternative methods for achieving the purpose of the rule that were considered by the agency and provide the reasons for rejecting those alternatives in favor of the proposed rule;
(5) identify the data and methodology used in performing the analysis required by this section;
(6) provide an explanation of whether the proposed rule specifies a single method of compliance, and, if so, explain why the agency determines that a specified method of compliance is preferable to adopting a flexible regulatory approach, such as a performance-oriented, voluntary, or market-based approach;
(7) state that there is an opportunity for public comment on the draft impact analysis under Section 2001.029 and that all comments will be addressed in the publication of the final regulatory analysis; and
(8) provide information in such a manner that a reasonable person reading the analysis would be able to identify the impacts of the proposed rule.
(d) After considering public comments submitted under Section 2001.029 and determining that a proposed rule should be adopted, the agency shall prepare a final regulatory analysis that complies with Section 2001.033. Additionally, the agency shall find that, compared to the alternative proposals considered and rejected, the rule will result in the best combination of effectiveness in obtaining the desired results and of economic costs not materially greater than the costs of any alternative regulatory method considered.
(e) In preparing the draft impact analysis before publication for comment and the final regulatory analysis for the agency order adopting the rule, the state agency shall consider that the purpose of this requirement is to identify for the public and the regulated community the information that was considered by the agency, the information that the agency determined to be relevant and reliable, and the assumptions and facts on which the agency made its regulatory decision. In making its final regulatory decision, the agency shall assess:
(1) all information submitted to it, whether quantitative or qualitative, consistent with generally accepted scientific standards;
(2) actual data where possible; and
(3) assumptions that reflect actual impacts that the regulation is likely to impose.
(f) A person who submitted public comment in accordance with Section 2001.029 may challenge the validity of a major environmental rule that is not proposed and adopted in accordance with the procedural requirements of this section by filing an action for declaratory judgment under Section 2001.038 not later than the 30th day after the effective date of the rule. If a court determines that a major environmental rule was not proposed and adopted in accordance with the procedural requirements of this section, the rule is invalid.
(g) In this section:
(1) “Benefit” means a reasonably identifiable, significant, direct or indirect, favorable effect, including a quantifiable or nonquantifiable environmental, health, or economic effect, that is expected to result from implementation of a rule.
(2) “Cost” means a reasonably identifiable, significant, direct or indirect, adverse effect, including a quantifiable or nonquantifiable environmental, health, or economic effect, that is expected to result from implementation of a rule.
(3) “Major environmental rule” means a rule the specific intent of which is to protect the environment or reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure and that may adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, or the public health and safety of the state or a sector of the state.
(h) The requirements of this section do not apply to state agency rules that are proposed or adopted on an emergency basis to protect the environment or to reduce risks to human health from environmental exposure.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 2001.023. NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE. (a) A state agency shall give at least 30 days’ notice of its intention to adopt a rule before it adopts the rule.
(b) A state agency shall file notice of the proposed rule with the secretary of state for publication in the Texas Register in the manner prescribed by Chapter 2002.
Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2023
(c) At the time a state agency files notice of a proposed rule under Subsection (b), the agency shall publish on the agency’s Internet website a summary of the proposed rule written in plain language in both English and Spanish in accordance with Section 2054.116.
Text of subsection effective on September 01, 2023
(d) For purposes of Subsection (c), a summary is written in plain language if it uses language the general public, including individuals with limited English proficiency, can readily understand because the language is concise and well-organized.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 802 (H.B. 1322), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
Sec. 2001.024. CONTENT OF NOTICE. (a) The notice of a proposed rule must include:
(1) a brief explanation of the proposed rule;
(2) the text of the proposed rule, except any portion omitted under Section 2002.014, prepared in a manner to indicate any words to be added or deleted from the current text;
(3) a statement of the statutory or other authority under which the rule is proposed to be adopted, including:
(A) a concise explanation of the particular statutory or other provisions under which the rule is proposed;
(B) the section or article of the code affected; and
(C) a certification that the proposed rule has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the state agency’s authority to adopt;
(4) a fiscal note showing the name and title of the officer or employee responsible for preparing or approving the note and stating for each year of the first five years that the rule will be in effect:
(A) the additional estimated cost to the state and to local governments expected as a result of enforcing or administering the rule;
(B) the estimated reductions in costs to the state and to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule;
(C) the estimated loss or increase in revenue to the state or to local governments as a result of enforcing or administering the rule; and
(D) if applicable, that enforcing or administering the rule does not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenues of the state or local governments;
(5) a note about public benefits and costs showing the name and title of the officer or employee responsible for preparing or approving the note and stating for each year of the first five years that the rule will be in effect:
(A) the public benefits expected as a result of adoption of the proposed rule; and
(B) the probable economic cost to persons required to comply with the rule;
(6) the local employment impact statement prepared under Section 2001.022, if required;
(7) a request for comments on the proposed rule from any interested person; and
(8) any other statement required by law.
(b) In the notice of a proposed rule that amends any part of an existing rule:
(1) the text of the entire part of the rule being amended must be set out;
(2) the language to be deleted must be bracketed and stricken through; and
(3) the language to be added must be underlined.
(c) In the notice of a proposed rule that is new or that adds a complete section to an existing rule, the new rule or section must be set out and underlined.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1067, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Sec. 2001.025. EFFECTIVE DATE OF NOTICE. Notice of a proposed rule becomes effective as notice when published in the Texas Register, except as provided by Section 2001.028.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.026. NOTICE TO PERSONS REQUESTING ADVANCE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULES. A state agency shall mail notice of a proposed rule to each person who has made a timely written request of the agency for advance notice of its rulemaking proceedings. Failure to mail the notice does not invalidate an action taken or rule adopted.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.027. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSED RULE. A proposed rule is withdrawn six months after the date of publication of notice of the proposed rule in the Texas Register if a state agency has failed by that time to adopt, adopt as amended, or withdraw the proposed rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.028. NOTICE OF PROPOSED LAW ENFORCEMENT RULES. Notice of the adoption of a proposed rule by the Commission on Jail Standards or the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement that affects a law enforcement agency of the state or of a political subdivision of the state is not effective until the notice is:
(1) published as required by Section 2001.023; and
(2) mailed to each law enforcement agency that may be affected by the proposed rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 93 (S.B. 686), Sec. 2.35, eff. May 18, 2013.
Sec. 2001.029. PUBLIC COMMENT. (a) Before adopting a rule, a state agency shall give all interested persons a reasonable opportunity to submit data, views, or arguments, orally or in writing.
(b) A state agency shall grant an opportunity for a public hearing before it adopts a substantive rule if a public hearing is requested by:
(1) at least 25 persons;
(2) a governmental subdivision or agency; or
(3) an association having at least 25 members.
(c) A state agency shall consider fully all written and oral submissions about a proposed rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.030. STATEMENT OF REASONS FOR OR AGAINST ADOPTION. On adoption of a rule, a state agency, if requested to do so by an interested person either before adoption or not later than the 30th day after the date of adoption, shall issue a concise statement of the principal reasons for and against its adoption. The agency shall include in the statement its reasons for overruling the considerations urged against adoption.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.031. INFORMAL CONFERENCES AND ADVISORY COMMITTEES. (a) A state agency may use an informal conference or consultation to obtain the opinions and advice of interested persons about contemplated rulemaking.
(b) A state agency may appoint committees of experts or interested persons or representatives of the public to advise the agency about contemplated rulemaking.
(c) The power of a committee appointed under this section is advisory only.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.032. LEGISLATIVE REVIEW. (a) Each house of the legislature by rule shall establish a process under which the presiding officer of each house refers each proposed state agency rule to the appropriate standing committee for review before the rule is adopted.
(b) On receiving a written request from the lieutenant governor, a member of the legislature, or a legislative agency, the secretary of state shall provide the requestor with electronic notification of rulemaking filings by a state agency under Section 2001.023.
(c) On the vote of a majority of its members, a standing committee may send to a state agency a statement supporting or opposing adoption of a proposed rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 906 (S.B. 791), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2011.
Sec. 2001.033. STATE AGENCY ORDER ADOPTING RULE. (a) A state agency order finally adopting a rule must include:
(1) a reasoned justification for the rule as adopted consisting solely of:
(A) a summary of comments received from parties interested in the rule that shows the names of interested groups or associations offering comment on the rule and whether they were for or against its adoption;
(B) a summary of the factual basis for the rule as adopted which demonstrates a rational connection between the factual basis for the rule and the rule as adopted; and
(C) the reasons why the agency disagrees with party submissions and proposals;
(2) a concise restatement of the particular statutory provisions under which the rule is adopted and of how the agency interprets the provisions as authorizing or requiring the rule; and
(3) a certification that the rule, as adopted, has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency’s legal authority.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require additional analysis of alternatives not adopted by an agency beyond that required by Subdivision (1)(C) or to require the reasoned justification to be stated separately from the statements required in Subdivision (1).
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 558, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2001.034. EMERGENCY RULEMAKING. (a) A state agency may adopt an emergency rule without prior notice or hearing, or with an abbreviated notice and a hearing that it finds practicable, if the agency:
(1) finds that an imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare, or a requirement of state or federal law, requires adoption of a rule on fewer than 30 days’ notice; and
(2) states in writing the reasons for its finding under Subdivision (1).
(b) A state agency shall set forth in an emergency rule’s preamble the finding required by Subsection (a).
(c) A rule adopted under this section may be effective for not longer than 120 days and may be renewed once for not longer than 60 days. An identical rule may be adopted under Sections 2001.023 and 2001.029.
(d) A state agency shall file an emergency rule adopted under this section and the agency’s written reasons for the adoption in the office of the secretary of state for publication in the Texas Register in the manner prescribed by Chapter 2002.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.035. SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT; TIME LIMIT ON PROCEDURAL CHALLENGE. (a) A rule is voidable unless a state agency adopts it in substantial compliance with Sections 2001.0225 through 2001.034.
(b) A person must initiate a proceeding to contest a rule on the ground of noncompliance with the procedural requirements of Sections 2001.0225 through 2001.034 not later than the second anniversary of the effective date of the rule.
(c) A state agency substantially complies with the requirements of Section 2001.033 if the agency’s reasoned justification demonstrates in a relatively clear and logical fashion that the rule is a reasonable means to a legitimate objective.
(d) A mere technical defect that does not result in prejudice to a person’s rights or privileges is not grounds for invalidation of a rule.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 558, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2001.036. EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULES; EFFECT OF FILING WITH SECRETARY OF STATE. (a) A rule takes effect 20 days after the date on which it is filed in the office of the secretary of state, except that:
(1) if a later date is required by statute or specified in the rule, the later date is the effective date;
(2) if a state agency finds that an expedited effective date is necessary because of imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare, and subject to applicable constitutional or statutory provisions, a rule is effective immediately on filing with the secretary of state, or on a stated date less than 20 days after the filing date; and
(3) if a federal statute or regulation requires that a state agency implement a rule by a certain date, the rule is effective on the prescribed date.
(b) A state agency shall file with its rule the finding described by Subsection (a)(2), if applicable, and a brief statement of the reasons for the finding. The agency shall take appropriate measures to make emergency rules known to persons who may be affected by them.
(c) A rule adopted as provided by Subsection (a)(3) shall be filed in the office of the secretary of state and published in the Texas Register.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.037. OFFICIAL TEXT OF RULE. If a conflict exists, the official text of a rule is the text on file with the secretary of state and not the text published in the Texas Register or on file with the issuing state agency.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.038. DECLARATORY JUDGMENT. (a) The validity or applicability of a rule, including an emergency rule adopted under Section 2001.034, may be determined in an action for declaratory judgment if it is alleged that the rule or its threatened application interferes with or impairs, or threatens to interfere with or impair, a legal right or privilege of the plaintiff.
(b) The action may be brought only in a Travis County district court.
(c) The state agency must be made a party to the action.
(d) A court may render a declaratory judgment without regard to whether the plaintiff requested the state agency to rule on the validity or applicability of the rule in question.
(e) An action brought under this section may not be used to delay or stay a hearing in which a suspension, revocation, or cancellation of a license by a state agency is at issue before the agency after notice of the hearing has been given.
(f) A Travis County district court in which an action is brought under this section, on its own motion or the motion of any party, may request transfer of the action to the Court of Appeals for the Third Court of Appeals District if the district court finds that the public interest requires a prompt, authoritative determination of the validity or applicability of the rule in question and the case would ordinarily be appealed. After filing of the district court’s request with the court of appeals, transfer of the action may be granted by the court of appeals if it agrees with the findings of the district court concerning the application of the statutory standards to the action. On entry of an order by the court of appeals granting transfer, the action is transferred to the court of appeals for decision, and the validity or applicability of the rule in question is subject to judicial review by the court of appeals. The administrative record and the district court record shall be filed by the district clerk with the clerk of the court of appeals. The court of appeals may direct the district court to conduct any necessary evidentiary hearings in connection with the action.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 894, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2001.039. AGENCY REVIEW OF EXISTING RULES. (a) A state agency shall review and consider for readoption each of its rules in accordance with this section.
(b) A state agency shall review a rule not later than the fourth anniversary of the date on which the rule takes effect and every four years after that date. The adoption of an amendment to an existing rule does not affect the dates on which the rule must be reviewed except that the effective date of an amendment is considered to be the effective date of the rule if the agency formally conducts a review of the rule in accordance with this section as part of the process of adopting the amendment.
(c) The state agency shall readopt, readopt with amendments, or repeal a rule as the result of reviewing the rule under this section.
(d) The procedures of this subchapter relating to the original adoption of a rule apply to the review of a rule and to the resulting repeal, readoption, or readoption with amendments of the rule, except as provided by this subsection. Publishing the Texas Administrative Code citation to a rule under review satisfies the requirements of this subchapter relating to publishing the text of the rule unless the agency readopts the rule with amendments as a result of the review.
(e) A state agency’s review of a rule must include an assessment of whether the reasons for initially adopting the rule continue to exist.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1499, Sec. 1.11(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Sec. 2001.040. SCOPE AND EFFECT OF ORDER INVALIDATING AGENCY RULE. If a court finds that an agency has not substantially complied with one or more procedural requirements of Sections 2001.0225 through 2001.034, the court may remand the rule, or a portion of the rule, to the agency and, if it does so remand, shall provide a reasonable time for the agency to either revise or readopt the rule through established procedure. During the remand period, the rule shall remain effective unless the court finds good cause to invalidate the rule or a portion of the rule, effective as of the date of the court’s order.
Added by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 558, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Renumbered from Sec. 2001.039 by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 21.001(64), eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Sec. 2001.041. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW ON DECENTRALIZATION. A state agency rule, order, or guide relating to decentralization of agency services or programs must include a statement of the manner in which the agency complied with Section 391.0091, Local Government Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 718, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
SUBCHAPTER C. CONTESTED CASES: GENERAL RIGHTS AND PROCEDURES
Sec. 2001.051. OPPORTUNITY FOR HEARING AND PARTICIPATION; NOTICE OF HEARING. In a contested case, each party is entitled to an opportunity:
(1) for hearing after reasonable notice of not less than 10 days; and
(2) to respond and to present evidence and argument on each issue involved in the case.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.052. CONTENTS OF NOTICE. (a) Notice of a hearing in a contested case must include:
(1) a statement of the time, place, and nature of the hearing;
(2) a statement of the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;
(3) a reference to the particular sections of the statutes and rules involved; and
(4) either:
(A) a short, plain statement of the factual matters asserted; or
(B) an attachment that incorporates by reference the factual matters asserted in the complaint or petition filed with the state agency.
(b) If a state agency or other party is unable to state factual matters in detail at the time notice under this section is served, an initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved. On timely written application, a more definite and detailed statement of the facts shall be furnished not less than seven days before the date set for the hearing. In a proceeding in which the state agency has the burden of proof, a state agency that intends to rely on a section of a statute or rule not previously referenced in the notice of hearing must amend the notice, or the complaint or petition, if applicable, to refer to the section of the statute or rule not later than the seventh day before the date set for the hearing. This subsection does not prohibit the state agency from filing an amendment during the hearing of a contested case provided the opposing party is granted a continuance of at least seven days to prepare its case on request of the opposing party.
(c) In a suit for judicial review of a final decision or order of a state agency in a contested case, the state agency’s failure to comply with Subsection (a)(3) or (b) shall constitute prejudice to the substantial rights of the appellant under Section 2001.174(2) unless the court finds that the failure did not unfairly surprise and prejudice the appellant or that the appellant waived the appellant’s rights.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 625 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 430 (S.B. 1446), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Sec. 2001.053. RIGHT TO COUNSEL. (a) Each party to a contested case is entitled to the assistance of counsel before a state agency.
(b) A party may expressly waive the right to assistance of counsel.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.054. LICENSES. (a) The provisions of this chapter concerning contested cases apply to the grant, denial, or renewal of a license that is required to be preceded by notice and opportunity for hearing.
(b) If a license holder makes timely and sufficient application for the renewal of a license or for a new license for an activity of a continuing nature, the existing license does not expire until the application has been finally determined by the state agency. If the application is denied or the terms of the new license are limited, the existing license does not expire until the last day for seeking review of the agency order or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court.
(c) A revocation, suspension, annulment, or withdrawal of a license is not effective unless, before institution of state agency proceedings:
(1) the agency gives notice by personal service or by registered or certified mail to the license holder of facts or conduct alleged to warrant the intended action; and
(2) the license holder is given an opportunity to show compliance with all requirements of law for the retention of the license.
(c-1) A state agency that has been granted the power to summarily suspend a license under another statute may determine that an imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare requires emergency action and may issue an order to summarily suspend the license holder’s license pending proceedings for revocation or other action, provided that the agency incorporates a factual and legal basis establishing that imminent peril in the order. Unless expressly provided otherwise by another statute, the agency shall initiate the proceedings for revocation or other action not later than the 30th day after the date the summary suspension order is signed. The proceedings must be promptly determined, and if the proceedings are not initiated before the 30th day after the date the order is signed, the license holder may appeal the summary suspension order to a Travis County district court. This subsection does not grant any state agency the power to suspend a license without notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
(d) A license described in Subsection (a) remains valid unless it expires without timely application for renewal, is amended, revoked, suspended, annulled, or withdrawn, or the denial of a renewal application becomes final. The term or duration of a license described in Subsection (a) is tolled during the period the license is subjected to judicial review. However, the term or duration of a license is not tolled if, during judicial review, the licensee engages in the activity for which the license was issued.
(e) In a suit for judicial review of a final decision or order of a state agency brought by a license holder, the agency’s failure to comply with Subsection (c) shall constitute prejudice to the substantial rights of the license holder under Section 2001.174(2) unless the court determines that the failure did not unfairly surprise and prejudice the license holder or that the license holder waived the opportunity provided in Subsection (c)(2) to show compliance with all requirements of law for the retention of the license.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 589, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 625 (S.B. 1267), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 430 (S.B. 1446), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2017.
Sec. 2001.055. INTERPRETERS FOR DEAF OR HEARING IMPAIRED PARTIES AND WITNESSES. (a) In a contested case, a state agency shall provide an interpreter whose qualifications are approved by the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to interpret the proceedings for a party or subpoenaed witness who is deaf or hearing impaired.
(b) In this section, “deaf or hearing impaired” means having a hearing impairment, whether or not accompanied by a speech impairment, that inhibits comprehension of the proceedings or communication with others.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 835, Sec. 18, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
Sec. 2001.056. INFORMAL DISPOSITION OF CONTESTED CASE. Unless precluded by law, an informal disposition may be made of a contested case by:
(1) stipulation;
(2) agreed settlement;
(3) consent order; or
(4) default.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.057. CONTINUANCES. (a) A state agency may continue a hearing in a contested case from time to time and from place to place.
(b) The notice of the hearing must indicate the times and places at which the hearing may be continued.
(c) If a hearing is not concluded on the day it begins, a state agency shall, to the extent possible, proceed with the hearing on each subsequent working day until the hearing is concluded.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.058. HEARING CONDUCTED BY STATE OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS. (a) This section applies only to an administrative law judge employed by the State Office of Administrative Hearings.
(b) An administrative law judge who conducts a contested case hearing shall consider applicable agency rules or policies in conducting the hearing, but the state agency deciding the case may not supervise the administrative law judge.
(c) A state agency shall provide the administrative law judge with a written statement of applicable rules or policies.
(d) A state agency may not attempt to influence the finding of facts or the administrative law judge’s application of the law in a contested case except by proper evidence and legal argument.
(d-1) On making a finding that a party to a contested case has defaulted under the rules of the State Office of Administrative Hearings, the administrative law judge may dismiss the case from the docket of the State Office of Administrative Hearings and remand it to the referring agency for informal disposition under Section 2001.056. After the case is dismissed and remanded, the agency may informally dispose of the case by applying its own rules or the procedural rules of the State Office of Administrative Hearings relating to default proceedings. This subsection does not apply to a contested case in which the administrative law judge is authorized to render a final decision.
(e) A state agency may change a finding of fact or conclusion of law made by the administrative law judge, or may vacate or modify an order issued by the administrative judge, only if the agency determines:
(1) that the administrative law judge did not properly apply or interpret applicable law, agency rules, written policies provided under Subsection (c), or prior administrative decisions;
(2) that a prior administrative decision on which the administrative law judge relied is incorrect or should be changed; or
(3) that a technical error in a finding of fact should be changed.
The agency shall state in writing the specific reason and legal basis for a change made under this subsection.
(e-1) Notwithstanding Subsection (e), a state agency may not vacate or modify an order of an administrative law judge that awards attorney’s fees and costs under Section 2001.903.
(f) A state agency by rule may provide that, in a contested case before the agency that concerns licensing in relation to an occupational license and that is not disposed of by stipulation, agreed settlement, or consent order, the administrative law judge shall render the final decision in the contested case. If a state agency adopts such a rule, the following provisions apply to contested cases covered by the rule:
(1) the administrative law judge shall render the decision that may become final under Section 2001.144 not later than the 60th day after the latter of the date on which the hearing is finally closed or the date by which the judge has ordered all briefs, reply briefs, and other posthearing documents to be filed, and the 60-day period may be extended only with the consent of all parties, including the occupational licensing agency;
(2) the administrative law judge shall include in the findings of fact and conclusions of law a determination whether the license at issue is primarily a license to engage in an occupation;
(3) the State Office of Administrative Hearings is the state agency with which a motion for rehearing or a reply to a motion for rehearing is filed under Section 2001.146 and is the state agency that acts on the motion or extends a time period under Section 2001.146;
(4) the State Office of Administrative Hearings is the state agency responsible for sending a copy of the decision that may become final under Section 2001.144 or an order ruling on a motion for rehearing to the parties, including the occupational licensing agency, in accordance with Section 2001.142; and
(5) the occupational licensing agency and any other party to the contested case is entitled to obtain judicial review of the final decision in accordance with this chapter.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1167, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 228 (H.B. 2154), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 504 (S.B. 27), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2019.
Sec. 2001.059. TRANSCRIPT. (a) On the written request of a party to a contested case, proceedings, or any part of the proceedings, shall be transcribed.
(b) A state agency may pay the cost of a transcript or may assess the cost to one or more parties.
(c) This chapter does not limit a state agency to a stenographic record of proceedings.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.060. RECORD. The record in a contested case includes:
(1) each pleading, motion, and intermediate ruling;
(2) evidence received or considered;
(3) a statement of matters officially noticed;
(4) questions and offers of proof, objections, and rulings on them;
(5) proposed findings and exceptions;
(6) each decision, opinion, or report by the officer presiding at the hearing; and
(7) all staff memoranda or data submitted to or considered by the hearing officer or members of the agency who are involved in making the decision.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.061. EX PARTE CONSULTATIONS. (a) Unless required for the disposition of an ex parte matter authorized by law, a member or employee of a state agency assigned to render a decision or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a contested case may not directly or indirectly communicate in connection with an issue of fact or law with a state agency, person, party, or a representative of those entities, except on notice and opportunity for each party to participate.
(b) A state agency member may communicate ex parte with another member of the agency unless prohibited by other law.
(c) Under Section 2001.090, a member or employee of a state agency assigned to render a decision or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a contested case may communicate ex parte with an agency employee who has not participated in a hearing in the case for the purpose of using the special skills or knowledge of the agency and its staff in evaluating the evidence.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.
Sec. 2001.062. EXAMINATION OF RECORD BY STATE AGENCY; PROPOSAL FOR DECISION. (a) In a contested case, if a majority of the state agency officials who are to render a final decision have not heard the case or read the record, the decision, if adverse to a party other than the agency itself, may not be made until:
(1) a proposal for decision is served on each party; and
(2) an opportunity is given to each adversely affected party to file exceptions and present briefs to the officials who are to render the decision.
(b) If a party files exceptions or presents briefs, an opportunity shall be given to each other party to file replies to the exceptions or briefs.
(c) A proposal for decision must contain a statement of the reasons for the proposed decision and of each finding of fact and conclusion of law necessary to the proposed decision. The statement must be prepared by the individual who conducted the hearing or by one who has read the record.
(d) A proposal for decision may be amended in response to exceptions, replies, or briefs submitted by the parties without again being served on the parties.
(e) The parties by written stipulation may waive compliance with this section.
Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 268, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993.