BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1044

By: Bhojani

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The bill author has informed the committee that constituents have reported confusion regarding current law relating to individuals authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony. H.B. 1044 seeks to resolve this confusion and ensure that everyone, regardless of their religious practice, can be married as provided by their faith by expanding the list of individuals authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony.

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. 1044 amends the Family Code to authorize the following persons to conduct a marriage ceremony:

· a Buddhist monk or priest;

· a Hindu pundit;

· a Muslim imam;

· a Sikh granthi; and

· any person who is authorized by a religious organization to conduct a marriage ceremony.

H.B. 1044 applies only to a marriage ceremony that is conducted on or after the bill's effective date. A marriage ceremony conducted before the bill's effective date is governed by the law in effect on the date the ceremony was conducted, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2025.