TITLE: Relating to a privilege from disclosure to governmental units for certain evidence concerning sermons delivered by a religious leader.

SUMMARY: Relating to a privilege from disclosure to governmental units for certain evidence concerning sermons delivered by a religious leader.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a privilege from disclosure to governmental units for certain evidence concerning sermons delivered by a religious leader. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Title 6, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, is amended by adding Chapter 150A to read as follows: CHAPTER 150A. DISCOVERY BY GOVERNMENTAL UNIT Sec. 150A.001. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter: (1) "Governmental unit" has the meaning assigned by Section 101.001. (2) "Religious organization" means an organization that qualifies as a religious organization under Section 11.20, Tax Code. (3) "Religious worship" has the meaning assigned by Section 11.20, Tax Code. Sec. 150A.002. SERMONS PRIVILEGED FROM DISCLOSURE TO GOVERNMENTAL UNIT. A governmental unit may not, in any civil action or other civil or administrative proceeding to which the governmental unit is a party, compel the production or disclosure of a written copy or audio or video recording of a sermon delivered by a religious leader during religious worship of a religious organization or compel the religious leader to testify regarding the sermon. SECTION 2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.