TX
Texas House Bill HJR32

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR32

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring a court of this state to uphold and apply certain laws, including the doctrine requiring courts to refrain from involvement in religious doctrinal interpretation or application.

Impact

Should HJR32 be enacted, it would amend Article V of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 32, mandating that courts respect the church autonomy doctrine alongside federal and state laws. This change is anticipated to provide stronger legal protections against potential court involvement in religious disputes, which proponents believe is essential to safeguard religious freedom. By establishing these boundaries, the bill could influence various legal cases concerning the intersection of state law and religious practices.

Summary

HJR32 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that requires state courts to uphold and apply certain laws, particularly those related to the doctrine of church autonomy. This doctrine, grounded in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, requires courts to abstain from any interpretations or applications of religious doctrines. The resolution aims to explicitly clarify the limitations on court authority when it comes to religious matters, thereby reinforcing the separation of church and state as outlined in the Constitution.

Contention

The bill may spark debate regarding judicial responsibilities and the interpretation of religious expression in public law. Supporters argue that HJR32 is necessary to protect the rights of religious institutions and individuals from judicial interference, reinforcing the principle of religious freedom. Conversely, critics may contend that the measure could inhibit the judiciary's ability to adjudicate cases involving religious entities, potentially allowing for discrimination under the guise of religious doctrine. This tension highlights the ongoing struggle to balance religious liberty with the enforcement of applicable laws.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR22

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring this state to observe daylight saving time year-round.

TX HJR54

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring payment of child support to be eligible to hold certain public elective offices.

TX HJR70

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring payment of child support to be eligible to hold certain public elective offices.

TX HJR31

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring elections on proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution to be held in November of even-numbered years.

TX HJR60

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the periodic review of state and local tax preferences and the expiration of certain tax preferences if not reauthorized by law.

TX SJR76

Proposing a constitutional amendment to repeal the constitutional provision that prohibits the appropriation of state money or property for the benefit of any sect, religious society, or theological or religious seminary.

TX SJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the periodic review of state and local tax preferences and providing an expiration date for certain tax preferences.

TX HB1494

Relating to the interpretation of certain laws protecting the free exercise of religion.

TX HJR99

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the denial of bail to certain persons arrested for an offense resulting in the death of or serious bodily injury to a person younger than 18 years of age.

TX HJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to expand eligibility for Medicaid to certain persons under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.