Texas House Bill HB1355

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to the consequences for an elected officer who threatens, punishes, or intimidates a person based on the person's religious beliefs; creating a criminal offense.

Impact

If enacted, HB1355 would alter existing laws to clearly define the threats and punishments directed toward individuals based on their religious beliefs as grounds for both official misconduct and criminal charges. The implications of this law would serve to mitigate the occurrences of discrimination or intimidation that may arise from the misuse of power by elected officials. The act ensures that elected officers are held to a standard that protects citizens’ rights, particularly their right to freedom of religion.

Summary

House Bill 1355 aims to address the consequences for elected officers who threaten, punish, or intimidate individuals based on their religious beliefs. The bill introduces specific statutory provisions under the Local Government Code, focusing on the definition of official misconduct and the potential removal of an elected official for such actions. By expanding the definition of official misconduct, the bill aims to enhance the accountability of elected officers, ensuring that actions based on religious targeting are distinctly recognized as criminal offenses.

Contention

While proponents of HB1355 argue that it strengthens protections against discrimination and promotes a more ethical conduct among public servants, there may be concerns regarding the broad interpretation of actions qualifying as intimidation or punishment. Critics might fear that the bill could be used to silence valid critiques of elected officials or to impose restrictions on political discourse, leading to unintended consequences for free speech. Ultimately, the balance between protecting individual rights and maintaining the sanctity of public service duties will be a point of discussion as this bill moves through the legislative process.