What’s going on in the 88th Texas Legislature

By Jessica McLaren Assistant News Editor

Education SB 1515 and SB 1396 both involve changes to public school procedures regarding religion. If signed into law, SB 1515 would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom starting next year. Similarly, SB 1396 would “allow public and charter schools to adopt a policy requiring every campus to set aside time for students and employees to read the Bible or other religious texts and to pray,” The Texas Tribune reports.

Higher Education SB 16 would prohibit university professors from compelling students “to adopt a belief that any race, sex, or ethnicity or social, political, or religious belief is inherently superior to any other race, sex, ethnicity, or belief.”

On a similar note, SB 17 would require universities to close their diversity, equity and inclusion offices and bans mandatory diversity training. In addition, if signed into law, the bill would restrict hiring departments from asking for diversity statements in which applicants describe their commitment to building diverse campuses.

LGBTQ+ Rights SB 162 aims to prevent transgender and nonbinary minors from updating their birth certificate. If signed into law, the bill would prohibit minors from changing the sex listed on their birth certificate unless the change is done to correct a clerical error, fill in incomplete documents or establish an updated sex for intersex individuals.

Other HB 300 proposes eliminating the sales tax on certain family care items such as diapers, baby wipes, bottles, maternity clothing and feminine hygiene products. The bill would also remove the taxes on products used for pumping breast milk and adult diapers.

SB 990 seeks to eliminate countywide voting in Texas. Currently, registered voters in nearly 100 counties are able to vote at any polling site in their county. If signed into law, SB 990 would require voters to cast their ballots at an assigned precinct, which is typically located within their neighborhood.

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