This chapter shall govern the conduct of all contested cases before the agency. The sections contained in this chapter shall be construed liberally, with a view toward the objective for which they were adopted. They shall not be construed so as to enlarge, diminish, modify, or otherwise alter the jurisdiction, powers, or authority of the agency or the substantive rights of any person. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the past, present, or future tense includes the other; the masculine, feminine, or neuter gender each includes the other; and the singular and plural number each includes the other. In addition to this chapter, parties participating in a contested case before this agency should make reference to the Administrative Procedure Act, Texas Government Code; to the Automobile Club Services Act; to the State Seal of Texas Act, Texas Business and Commerce Code, §17.08; to the Texas Notaries Public Act, Texas Government Code, §406.001 et seq.; to the Texas Election Code, Chapter 122; and to the substantive rules, administrative regulations, and orders of the agency.