Texas lieutenant governor orders Senate study of expanded religious liberty measures

In a set of interim charges, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick instructed Texas legislators to explore ways to deepen religious presence in public institutions. One charge calls for a comparison of Texas and federal laws concerning the First Amendment’s establishment and free-exercise clauses to determine if extra protections are needed. A second directive seeks a statewide campaign to teach Texans about their right to practice religion in education, employment, government and health contexts.

The third asks for a review of a 2025 statute allowing schools to excuse absences for off-campus religious instruction. All three tasks were assigned to the newly created Religious Liberty Committee, led by Sen. Phil King. The moves come amid ongoing Republican efforts in Texas to limit perceived Islamic influence and to promote Christian-oriented policies in schools and other public arenas.