Rules of construction.

(a)In this subchapter, unless the context requires otherwise:#

(1)Words imparting the singular include the plural;#

(2)Words imparting the plural include the singular; and#

(3)Words imparting the masculine gender include the feminine;#

(b)In this subchapter, the word: (1) “Shall” is used in an imperative sense;#

(2)“Must” is used in an imperative sense;#

(3)“Should” is used in a recommendatory sense;#

(4)“May” is used in a permissive sense to state authority or permission to do the act described, and the words “no person may * * *” or “a person may not * * *” means that no person is required, authorized, or permitted to do the act described; and#

(5)“Includes” is used as a word of inclusion not limitation.#