Honorable Harold V. Dutton, Jr., Chair, House Committee on Juvenile Justice & Family Issues
FROM:
John McGeady, Assistant Director Sarah Keyton, Assistant Director Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB2109 by Flynn (Relating to the right of recusal from the performance of certain marriage ceremonies.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend the Family Code to allow a person authorized to conduct a marriage under Texas law to recuse himself or herself from performing the ceremony due to sincerely-held religious beliefs or conscientious objection. The bill would grant the person civil immunity from damages arising from the recusal and allows the person to assert, as a defense or a claim on civil action, that a law, policy, or adverse action of the state violates the authorization to recuse.
Based on the analysis of the Office of Court Administration, duties and responsibilities associated with implementing the provisions of the bill could be accomplished using existing resources.
The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, or September 1, 2019.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
212 Office of Court Administration, Texas Judicial Council