Honorable Jeff Leach, Chair, House Committee on Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
SB247 by Perry (Relating to discrimination against or burdening certain constitutional rights of an applicant for or holder of a license to practice law in this state.), As Engrossed
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Government Code to prohibit the State Bar of Texas from adopting rules and policies that limit an applicant's ability to obtain, maintain, or renew a law license based on the applicant's religious beliefs or which burden the applicant or state bar member's free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, membership in a religious organization, or freedom of association unless the limitation or burden posed by the rule or policy is essential to enforcing a compelling governmental purpose and is narrowly tailored to accomplish that purpose or would restrict willful expressions of bias or prejudice in connection with an adjudicatory proceeding.
The Office of Court Administration anticipates no significant fiscal impact to the state court system as a result of the bill.
The bill would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote in each house; otherwise, the bill would take effect September 1, 2021.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.