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.
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.
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.