Texas Senate Bill SB651

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to discrimination by a state agency against an applicant for or holder of an occupational license.

Impact

The bill amends Chapter 57 of the Occupations Code by adding provisions that explicitly prohibit state agencies from imposing rules or policies that could limit an applicant's ability to obtain a license due to religious beliefs. Furthermore, it seeks to safeguard the rights of license holders regarding their free exercise of religion, freedom of speech about their beliefs, and association with religious organizations. By doing so, SB651 recognizes the importance of these rights within the licensing process and aims to prevent any unwarranted discrimination that may arise from stringent regulatory practices.

Summary

SB651 focuses on preventing discrimination by state agencies against individuals applying for or holding occupational licenses based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. The bill aims to ensure that applicants and license holders are not unfairly penalized or restricted due to their religious views. In light of the extensive licensing requirements across various professions in Texas, this legislation seeks to protect a significant portion of the workforce that operates under such mandates.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the balance between regulatory oversight and individual freedoms. Some critics could argue that while the bill promotes religious freedom, it might lead to conflicts with existing regulatory frameworks that aim to ensure professional standards and public safety. There may also be concerns regarding the potential for individuals to assert religious beliefs to circumvent necessary qualifications or compliance with professional standards mandated by law. The delineation of what constitutes a 'sincerely held religious belief' could also lead to disputes and affect the consistency of enforcement among state agencies.