Which of the following lists the statute construction aids in Government Code § 311.023?

• A. The font used in the statute.
• B. Object or purpose sought to be achieved; circumstances under which the statute was enacted; legislative history; common law or former statutory provisions, including laws on the same or similar subjects; consequences of a particular construction; administrative construction of the statute; and title (caption), preamble, and emergency provision.
• C. The author’s intent is the only aid.
• D. A list of case law citations only.

Answer: (B)

When interpreting a statute, you use several construction aids to uncover what the legislature intended, not just what the words literally say. Government Code § 311.023 lays out the tools you may consider to determine meaning and application. These aids include the objective the statute seeks to achieve and the circumstances under which it was enacted, which help you see why the law exists. Legislative history provides insight into what the lawmakers discussed or intended when enacting the provision. The reference to common law or former statutory provisions, including laws on the same or similar subjects, helps you place the current text within a broader legal framework. Considering the consequences of a particular construction helps anticipate how different readings would affect outcomes. Administrative construction of the statute by agencies charged with applying it shows how it functions in practice. Finally, the title (caption), preamble, and emergency provisions can illuminate overall purpose and priorities. All of these aids together guide a consistent and purpose-driven interpretation.

The font used in a statute, by contrast, has no bearing on its meaning, and the author’s intent is not the sole or exclusive aid. Relying only on case law citations neglects the broader set of guides allowed under the statute.