Relating to judicial deference regarding an interpretation of law by a state agency.

SB 944 changes how Texas courts review state agency interpretations of laws. It requires courts to examine legal questions themselves rather than automatically accepting an agency's interpretation. Courts may still consider an agency's view if it is reasonable and matches the law's plain wording, but deference is no longer required. This applies to new cases filed after the law takes effect and directly affects state agencies (like environmental or health departments) and the courts handling their enforcement actions. The bill limits judicial deference to agency legal interpretations while preserving courts' ability to weigh reasonable agency positions.