Bill
Bill > SB1073
TX SB1073
TX SB1073Relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Crossed Over
05/14/2025
05/14/2025
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Introduced Session
89th Legislature Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.
AI Summary
This bill adds a new section to Texas law that protects the constitutional rights of lawyers and law license applicants by prohibiting the state bar from creating rules or imposing penalties that limit a person's ability to obtain or maintain a law license based on their sincerely held religious beliefs or that burden their fundamental rights, including free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of association, and religious organization membership. The bill allows such limitations only if they are essential to enforcing a compelling governmental purpose and narrowly tailored, or if they restrict expressions of bias in legal proceedings. A person can challenge such rules or penalties through administrative hearings or judicial proceedings, though they cannot use this defense against allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal prosecution. Additionally, individuals can seek injunctive relief if they believe their rights have been violated. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate vote threshold.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (45)
Briscoe Cain (R)*,
Bryan Hughes (R)*,
Will Metcalf (R)*,
Cody Vasut (R)*,
Daniel Alders (R),
Greg Bonnen (R),
Brad Buckley (R),
Donna Campbell (R),
Giovanni Capriglione (R),
David Cook (R),
Mano DeAyala (R),
Pete Flores (R),
James Frank (R),
Brent Hagenbuch (R),
Bob Hall (R),
Brian Harrison (R),
Cole Hefner (R),
Hillary Hickland (R),
Adam Hinojosa (R),
Janis Holt (R),
Andy Hopper (R),
Joan Huffman (R),
Lacey Hull (R),
Carrie Isaac (R),
Helen Kerwin (R),
Phil King (R),
Lois Kolkhorst (R),
Marc LaHood (R),
Jeff Leach (R),
Terri Leo-Wilson (R),
Mayes Middleton (R),
Matt Morgan (R),
Candy Noble (R),
Tom Oliverson (R),
Jared Patterson (R),
Katrina Pierson (R),
Keresa Richardson (R),
Nate Schatzline (R),
Matt Shaheen (R),
Joanne Shofner (R),
Shelby Slawson (R),
Kevin Sparks (R),
Valoree Swanson (R),
Ellen Troxclair (R),
Wesley Virdell (R),
Last Action
Committee report sent to Calendars (on 05/23/2025)
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1073 |
| BillText | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB01073H.htm |
| Analysis (House Committee Report) | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/analysis/html/SB01073H.htm |
| BillText | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB01073E.htm |
| BillText | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB01073S.htm |
| Fiscal Note (Introduced) | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/fiscalnotes/html/SB01073I.htm |
| Analysis (Introduced) | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/analysis/html/SB01073I.htm |
| BillText | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/SB01073I.htm |
Loading...