BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 2039

By: Talarico

Juvenile Justice & Family Issues

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current law grants the authority to conduct a marriage ceremony to a licensed or ordained Christian minister or priest, a Jewish rabbi, certain officers of religious organizations, and almost all federal, state, and local judges. However, it has been noted that Muslim imams are not included in this authorization, even though Texas has one of the largest and fastest growing Muslim populations in the country. As such, there have been calls for Texas to lead the way in recognizing and respecting the cultural significance of the Muslim wedding ceremony. H.B. 2039 seeks to address this issue by authorizing a Muslim imam to conduct a marriage ceremony in Texas.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 2039 amends the Family Code to authorize a Muslim imam to conduct a marriage ceremony.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.