Bill > SB559

This bill prohibits the Texas State Bar from adopting rules, policies, or imposing penalties that limit an applicant's ability to obtain a law license or a state bar member's ability to maintain or renew a license based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. It also prohibits the State Bar from burdening an applicant's or state bar member's free exercise of religion, freedom of speech or expression, membership in religious organizations, or freedom of association. The bill provides exceptions for rules, policies, or penalties that are essential to enforcing a compelling governmental purpose and are narrowly tailored, or that restrict willful expressions of bias or prejudice in connection with an adjudicatory proceeding. Individuals can assert a violation of this provision as a defense in administrative hearings or civil lawsuits, except for allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal prosecution.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=88R&Bill=SB559