Senate Select Committee on Religious Liberty
Committee Information
DIRECTOR:
Beth Shields
TEL:
(512) 463-0164
LOCATION:
Sam Houston Building, 320
Interim Charges
- Studying the Current State of Religious Liberty: Compare and contrast state laws protecting religious liberty with federal laws, including Article 1, Section 6 of the Texas Constitution — Freedom of Worship — and the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Make recommendations to ensure all Texans have the right to practice their religion, free from discrimination or government interference. Determine if additional protections are needed to ensure religious liberty is protected in Texas.
- Educating Texans on Religious Liberty: Examine ways to educate Texans about their sacred and constitutionally guaranteed right to religious liberty. Make recommendations to inform and remind Texans of their religious liberty rights in all settings, including, but not limited to: education, workplace, government, and healthcare.
- Monitoring: Monitor the implementation of legislation passed by the 89th Legislature, as well as relevant agencies and programs under the committee's jurisdiction. Specifically, make recommendations for any legislation needed to improve, enhance, or complete implementation of the following:
- Senate Bill 10 (89th Legislature), relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms; and
- Senate Bill 11 (89th Legislature), relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools;
- Senate Bill 1049 (89th Legislature), relating to excused absences from public school for the purpose of attending a released time course.
