Frequently Asked Questions
Texas Register and Texas Administrative Code
How do I subscribe to the Texas Register?
For print subscriptions, please contact LexisNexis Matthew Bender &
Company at 800-223-1940. For access to our internet-based services, please
call the Texas Register at (512) 463-5561 or email register@sos.state.tx.us.
How does the open meeting system work?
Open meetings are posted by both state and regional agencies via a secure
link to the Texas Register's internet site. Agencies may post their meetings
at any time and are not limited to posting during normal business hours.
Meetings are added to the open meetings portion of the Texas Register internet
site within five minutes of being posted by the agency.
How frequently will issues of the Texas Register be added
to the internet site?
The Texas Register is published weekly, every Friday. Each issue
will be posted on the internet site by 5 p.m. CST every Friday. Back issues
can be obtained from the Texas Register offices by calling (512) 463-5561
or email the Texas Register at register@sos.state.tx.us
How up to date is the Texas Administrative Code (TAC)?
The Texas Administrative Code is current through today's date.
Will graphic and tabular material be included in
any of the on-line services?
All graphic and tabular material in each issue of the Texas Register is included in all on-line services.
When does a rule become effective?
Typically, a rule takes effect 20 days after the date on which it is filed
with the Secretary of State. (For exceptions see Texas Gov't Code 2001.036).
Day one is the date following the filing, and the rule may take effect on
day 20. Note that the time period for an adopted rule is triggered by filing.
This differs from the time period for a proposed rule, which does not begin
until the rule is published in the Texas Register.
How is a rule different from a statute?
Statutes are created or amended by the Legislature. Rules are adopted
by state agencies (Executive branch), usually with specific rulemaking
authority from the Legislature.
Where can I find the statutes?
You can find the on-line version at the Texas Legislature Online web site
at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/