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Texas law

Administrative Laws in Texas.

Texas administrative law is governed by the Administrative Procedure Act (APA, Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2001), which governs rulemaking, contested cases, and judicial review of state agency action. Rules are published in the Texas Register and the Texas Administrative Code. Contested cases are generally heard by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) — a distinctive centralized administrative-hearing body. Final agency decisions are reviewable in the Travis County District Court (generally) or Court of Appeals.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Texas Statutes

Texas Administrative Procedure ActTex. Gov't Code Chapter 2001

Texas's APA governs rulemaking and contested cases. Rulemaking requires notice in the Texas Register, public comment period, and agency response to comments.

State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)Tex. Gov't Code Chapter 2003

Distinctive Texas central administrative-hearing body established 1991. Administrative Law Judges hear contested cases for most state agencies, issuing proposal for decisions that the agency typically adopts (or modifies).

Judicial ReviewTex. Gov't Code § 2001.171 et seq.

Final agency decisions generally reviewable in Travis County District Court (venue required for certain matters). Standard: substantial evidence on the record.

Texas Register and Administrative CodeTex. Gov't Code §§ 2002.004, 2002.051 et seq.

Texas Register publishes proposed and adopted rules. Texas Administrative Code is the codified compilation.

State law

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Texas.

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