Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Pushes for Expanded Religious Liberty in State Legislation
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has directed the Texas Senate to explore ways to enhance religious liberty in public life. This initiative is part of a series of interim charges aimed at aligning state laws with the First Amendment's 'establishment' and 'free exercise' clauses. The directives include examining state and federal laws on religious liberty, educating Texans about their religious rights in various settings, and reviewing a 2025 law allowing student absences for religious instruction. These efforts are overseen by the newly formed Religious Liberty Committee, chaired by Sen. Phil King (R-Weatherford). Patrick's actions reflect his long-standing advocacy for Christian conservative values and his belief that there is no constitutional separation between church and state. 
