Bill: SB 2048, 84(R) - 2015

Committee

Senate State Affairs

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Neutral Neutral Neutral Positive Positive

Author(s)

Joan Huffman

Co-Author(s)

Donna Campbell
Jane Nelson

Bill Caption

Relating to a privilege from disclosure to governmental units for certain evidence concerning sermons delivered by a religious leader.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 2048 would prohibit a governmental unit from compelling testimony from a religious leader regarding a sermon and compelling a religious leader to provide a written copy or audio recording of a sermon.

Vote Recommendation Notes

5/24/2015 update:

No changes were made in House committee. 

First chamber recommendation below:

This bill would affirm the principle of limited government and the principle of individual liberty. The proper role of government is to guard against infringing on religious freedom.  In Houston, the city subpenaed religious leaders who spoke against social policies being considered by the city, which violates the religious civil liberties guaranteed under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.  This legislation would bolster liberty by prohibiting units of government within Texas from infringing on First Amendment rights. We support SB 2048 for these reasons. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/16/2024 06:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/84r/sb2048?print_view=true