reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2400 - Protection of Membership in and Support to Religious Organizations › Section 2400.005. Interpretation

Sec. 2400.005.  INTERPRETATION.  (a)  This chapter may not be construed to preempt a state or federal law that is equally or more protective of the free exercise of religious beliefs or to narrow the meaning or application of a state or federal law protecting the free exercise of religious beliefs.
(b)  This chapter may not be construed to prevent a governmental entity from providing, either directly or through a person who is not seeking protection under this chapter, any benefit or service authorized under state or federal law.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 666 (S.B. 1978), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2401 - Protection of Religious Organizations › Section 2401.001. Definitions

Sec. 2401.001.  DEFINITIONS.    In this chapter:
(1)  "Disaster" has the meaning assigned by Section 418.004.
(2)  "Governmental entity" means:
(A)  this state;
(B)  a board, commission, council, department, or  other agency in the executive branch of state government that is created by the state constitution or a statute, including an institution of higher education as defined by Section 61.003, Education Code;
(C)  the legislature or a legislative agency;
(D)  a state judicial agency or the State Bar of Texas;
(E)  a political subdivision of this state, including a county, municipality, or special district or authority; or
(F)  an officer, employee, or agent of an entity described by Paragraphs (A) through (E).
(3)  "Person" has the meaning assigned by Section 311.005, except the term does not include:
(A)  an employee of a governmental entity acting within the employee's scope of employment; or
(B)  a contractor of a governmental entity acting within the scope of the contract.
(4)  "Religious organization" means an organization open to the public that is a religious organization under Section 110.011(b), Civil Practice and Remedies Code.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 525), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2401 - Protection of Religious Organizations › Section 2401.002. Essential Business; Prohibited Restrictions

Sec. 2401.002.  ESSENTIAL BUSINESS; PROHIBITED RESTRICTIONS. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a religious organization is an essential business at all times in this state, including during a declared state of disaster, and the organization's religious and other related activities are essential activities even if the activities are not listed as essential in an order issued during the disaster.
(b)  A governmental entity may not:
(1)  at any time, including during a declared state of disaster, prohibit a religious organization from engaging in religious and other related activities or continuing to operate in the discharge of the organization's foundational faith-based mission and purpose; or
(2)  during a declared state of disaster order a religious organization to close or otherwise alter the organization's purposes or activities.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 525), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2401 - Protection of Religious Organizations › Section 2401.003. Relief Available

Sec. 2401.003.  RELIEF AVAILABLE.  (a)  A person may assert a violation of Section 2401.002 as a claim or defense in a judicial or administrative proceeding and obtain:
(1)  injunctive relief;
(2)  declaratory relief; and
(3)  court costs and reasonable attorney's fees.
(b)  Notwithstanding any other law, a person may commence an action under this section and relief may be granted regardless of whether the person has sought or exhausted available administrative remedies.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 525), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2401 - Protection of Religious Organizations › Section 2401.004. Attorney General Action; Intervention in Proceeding; Prohibited Recovery of Expenses

Sec. 2401.004.  ATTORNEY GENERAL ACTION; INTERVENTION IN PROCEEDING; PROHIBITED RECOVERY OF EXPENSES. (a) The attorney general may bring an action for injunctive or declaratory relief against a governmental entity or an officer or employee of a governmental entity to enforce compliance with this chapter.
(b)  This section may not be construed to deny, impair, or otherwise affect any authority of the attorney general or a governmental entity acting under other law to institute or intervene in an action.
(c)  The attorney general may not recover expenses incurred in bringing, instituting, or intervening in an action described by this section.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 525), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle H - Prohibited Adverse Actions by Government › Chapter 2401 - Protection of Religious Organizations › Section 2401.005. Interpretation

Sec. 2401.005.  INTERPRETATION.  (a)  This chapter may not be construed to preempt a state or federal law that is equally or more protective of the free exercise of religious beliefs or to narrow the meaning or application of a state or federal law protecting the free exercise of religious beliefs.
(b)  This chapter may not be construed to prevent a governmental entity from providing, either directly or through a person who is not seeking protection under this chapter, any benefit or service authorized under state or federal law.
Added by Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 920 (H.B. 525), Sec. 1, eff. June 18, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle Z - Miscellaneous Provisions Prohibiting Certain Governmental Actions › Chapter 3000 - Governmental Action Affecting Residential and Commercial Construction › Section 3000.001. Definitions

Sec. 3000.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "National model code" has the meaning assigned by Section 214.217, Local Government Code.
(2)  "Governmental entity" has the meaning assigned by Section 2007.002.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1289 (H.B. 2439), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle Z - Miscellaneous Provisions Prohibiting Certain Governmental Actions › Chapter 3000 - Governmental Action Affecting Residential and Commercial Construction › Section 3000.003. Injunction

Sec. 3000.003.  INJUNCTION.  (a)  The attorney general or an aggrieved party may file an action in district court to enjoin a violation or threatened violation of Section 3000.002.
(b)  The court may grant appropriate relief.
(c)  The attorney general may recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs incurred in bringing an action under this section.
(d)  Sovereign and governmental immunity to suit is waived and abolished only to the extent necessary to enforce this chapter.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1289 (H.B. 2439), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle Z - Miscellaneous Provisions Prohibiting Certain Governmental Actions › Chapter 3000 - Governmental Action Affecting Residential and Commercial Construction › Section 3000.004. Other Provisions Not Affected

Sec. 3000.004.  OTHER PROVISIONS NOT AFFECTED.  This chapter does not affect provisions regarding:
(1)  the installation of a fire sprinkler protection system under Section 1301.551(i), Occupations Code, or Section 775.045(a)(1), Health and Safety Code; or
(2)  the enforcement of land use restrictions contained in plats and other instruments under Subchapter F, Chapter 212, Local Government Code.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1289 (H.B. 2439), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Amended by:
Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 475 (S.B. 1090), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 10 - General Government › Subtitle Z - Miscellaneous Provisions Prohibiting Certain Governmental Actions › Chapter 3000 - Governmental Action Affecting Residential and Commercial Construction › Section 3000.005. Severability

Sec. 3000.005.  SEVERABILITY.  If any provision of a rule, charter provision, ordinance, order, building code, or other regulation described by Section 3000.002(a) is held invalid under this chapter, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the rule, charter provision, ordinance, order, building code, or other regulation that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of the rule, charter provision, ordinance, order, building code, or other regulation are severable.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1289 (H.B. 2439), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 3100.001. State Flag

Sec. 3100.001.  STATE FLAG.  The state flag is the 1839 national flag of the Republic of Texas.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 3100.002. Description: in General

Sec. 3100.002.  DESCRIPTION:  IN GENERAL.  (a)  The state flag is a rectangle that:
(1)  has a width to length ratio of two to three;  and
(2)  contains:
(A)  one blue vertical stripe that has a width equal to one-third the length of the flag;
(B)  two equal horizontal stripes, the upper stripe white, the lower stripe red, each having a length equal to two-thirds the length of the flag;  and
(C)  one white, regular five-pointed star:
(i)  located in the center of the blue stripe;
(ii)  oriented so that one point faces upward;  and
(iii)  sized so that the diameter of a circle passing through the five points of the star is equal to three-fourths the width of the blue stripe.
(b)  The red and blue of the state flag are:
(1)  the same colors used in the United States flag;  and
(2)  defined as numbers 193 (red) and 281 (dark blue) of the Pantone Matching System.
(c)  The red, white, and blue of the state flag represent, respectively, bravery, purity, and loyalty.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 3100.003. Description Under Governor's Rules

Sec. 3100.003.  DESCRIPTION UNDER GOVERNOR'S RULES.  In addition to each requirement prescribed by Section 3100.002, the governor by executive order published in the Texas Register may prescribe changes or other rules relating to the description of the state flag.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter A. General Provisions › Section 3100.004. State Flag Mounted on Flagstaff

Sec. 3100.004.  STATE FLAG MOUNTED ON FLAGSTAFF.  (a)  If the state flag is mounted on a flagstaff:
(1)  the flag should be attached at the peak of the staff;
(2)  the staff should be at least 2-1/2 times as long as the flag's hoist;  and
(3)  if the staff has a finial, the finial should be a star or a spearhead.
(b)  If the state flag is permanently mounted on a flagstaff:
(1)  the flag may be decorated with gold fringe;  and
(2)  the staff may be decorated with gold cord or tassels.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.051. Display: in General

Sec. 3100.051.  DISPLAY:  IN GENERAL.  The state flag should be displayed:
(1)  on each state or national holiday and on any special occasion of historical significance;  and
(2)  daily on or near the main administration building of each state institution.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.052. Display Outdoors

Sec. 3100.052.  DISPLAY OUTDOORS.  (a)  The state flag should not normally be displayed outdoors before sunrise or after sunset.
(b)  For patriotic effect, the state flag may be displayed outdoors:
(1)  24 hours a day, if properly illuminated during darkness;  or
(2)  in the same circumstances that the flag of the United States may be displayed.
(c)  The state flag should not be displayed outdoors during inclement weather unless the flag is a weatherproof flag.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.053. Orientation on Flagpole or Flagstaff

Sec. 3100.053.  ORIENTATION ON FLAGPOLE OR FLAGSTAFF.  If the state flag is displayed on a flagpole or flagstaff, the white stripe should be at the top of the flag, except as a signal of dire distress in an instance of extreme danger to life or property.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.054. Display on Flagpole or Flagstaff With Other Flag: in General

Sec. 3100.054.  DISPLAY ON FLAGPOLE OR FLAGSTAFF WITH OTHER FLAG:  IN GENERAL.  A flag or pennant, other than the flag of the United States, displayed with the state flag:
(1)  should not be above the state flag;  or
(2)  if the other flag or pennant is at the same height as the state flag, should not be, from the perspective of an observer, to the left of the state flag.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.055. Display on Flagpole or Flagstaff With Flag of United States

Sec. 3100.055.  DISPLAY ON FLAGPOLE OR FLAGSTAFF WITH FLAG OF UNITED STATES.  (a)  If it is necessary for the state flag and the flag of the United States to be displayed on the same flagpole or flagstaff, the United States flag should be above the state flag.
(b)  If the state flag and the flag of the United States are displayed on flagpoles or flagstaffs at the same location:
(1)  the flags should be displayed on flagpoles or flagstaffs of the same height;
(2)  the flags should be of approximately equal size;
(3)  the flag of the United States should be, from the perspective of an observer, to the left of the state flag;
(4)  the flag of the United States should be hoisted before the state flag is hoisted;  and
(5)  the state flag should be lowered before the flag of the United States is lowered.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.056. Display on Flagpole or Flagstaff With Flags of Municipalities, Localities, or Organizations

Sec. 3100.056.  DISPLAY ON FLAGPOLE OR FLAGSTAFF WITH FLAGS OF MUNICIPALITIES, LOCALITIES, OR ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed on a flagpole or flagstaff with a group of flags or pennants of municipalities, localities, or organizations that are displayed on flagpoles or flagstaffs, the state flag should be at the center and at the highest point of the group.
(b)  If the state flag is displayed on the same halyard as a flag or pennant of a municipality, locality, or organization, the state flag should be at the peak.
(c)  If the state flag and the flag or pennant of a municipality, locality, or organization are displayed on adjacent flagpoles or flagstaffs:
(1)  the state flag should be hoisted before the flag or pennant of the municipality, locality, or organization is hoisted;  and
(2)  the flag or pennant of the municipality, locality, or organization should be lowered before the state flag is lowered.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.057. Display on Flagpole or Flagstaff With Flags of Other States, Other Nations, or International Organizations

Sec. 3100.057.  DISPLAY ON FLAGPOLE OR FLAGSTAFF WITH FLAGS OF OTHER STATES, OTHER NATIONS, OR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed with the flag of another state of the United States, of a nation other than the United States, or of an international organization, the state flag:
(1)  should be, from the perspective of an observer, to the left of the other flag on a separate flagpole or flagstaff;  and
(2)  should not be above the other flag on the same flagpole or flagstaff or on a taller flagpole or flagstaff than the flagpole or flagstaff on which the other flag is displayed.
(b)  This section does not apply to the United States, including the armed services, if federal custom or practice requires another manner of display.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.058. Display With Other Flag on Crossed Flagstaffs

Sec. 3100.058.  DISPLAY WITH OTHER FLAG ON CROSSED FLAGSTAFFS.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed with another flag, other than the flag of the United States, against a wall on crossed flagstaffs, the state flag should:
(1)  be, from the perspective of an observer, to the left of the other flag;  and
(2)  have its flagstaff in front of the flagstaff of the other flag.
(b)  If the state flag and the flag of the United States are displayed against a wall on crossed flagstaffs, the state flag should:
(1)  be, from the perspective of an observer, to the right of the flag of the United States;  and
(2)  have its flagstaff behind the flagstaff of the United States flag.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.059. Horizontal and Vertical Display

Sec. 3100.059.  HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL DISPLAY.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed horizontally, the white stripe should be above the red stripe and, from the perspective of an observer, to the right of the blue stripe.
(b)  If the state flag is displayed vertically:
(1)  the blue stripe should be above the white and red stripes;  and
(2)  the white stripe should be, from the perspective of an observer, to the left of the red stripe.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.060. Display From or in Building

Sec. 3100.060.  DISPLAY FROM OR IN BUILDING.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed from a flagstaff that projects horizontally or at an angle from a building, the top of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half-staff.
(b)  If the state flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope that extends from a building to a pole at the edge of a sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted from the building so that the white stripe is nearest the pole.
(c)  If the state flag is suspended across a corridor or lobby in a building that has only one main entrance, the flag should be suspended vertically so that the white stripe is, from the perspective of an observer who is entering the building, to the left of the red stripe.  If the building has more than one main entrance, the state flag should be suspended vertically near the center of the corridor or lobby.  If the entrances are on the east and west faces of the building, the white stripe should be to the north.  If the entrances are on the north and south faces of the building, the white stripe should be to the east.  If there are entrances on more than two faces of the building, the white stripe should be to the east.
(d)  If the state flag is displayed in a window, the white stripe should be above the red stripe and, from the perspective of an observer who is outside the window, to the right of the blue stripe.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.061. Display Over Street

Sec. 3100.061.  DISPLAY OVER STREET.  If the state flag is displayed over a street, the flag should be suspended vertically with the blue stripe above the white and red stripes.  If the street is an east-west street, the white stripe should be to the north.  If the street is a north-south street, the white stripe should be to the east.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.062. Display on Speaker's Platform

Sec. 3100.062.  DISPLAY ON SPEAKER'S PLATFORM.  (a)  If the state flag is displayed flat on a speaker's platform, the flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker.
(b)  If the state flag and the flag of the United States are displayed on a speaker's platform, the state flag should be, from the perspective of an observer, to the right of the United States flag.
(c)  The use of the state flag to drape the front of a platform is governed by Section 3100.070(c).
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.063. Display on Casket

Sec. 3100.063.  DISPLAY ON CASKET.  (a)  If the state flag is used to cover a casket, the flag should be placed so that:
(1)  the blue stripe is at the head of the casket;  and
(2)  the white stripe is over the left shoulder of the casket.
(b)  The state flag should not be lowered in the grave or allowed to touch the ground.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.064. Display on Flagstaff on Motor Vehicle

Sec. 3100.064.  DISPLAY ON FLAGSTAFF ON MOTOR VEHICLE.  If the state flag is displayed on a flagstaff on a motor vehicle, the staff should be attached firmly to the chassis or clamped to the right fender.  If the flag of the United States and the state flag are displayed on flagstaffs on a motor vehicle:
(1)  the staff of the flag of the United States should be clamped to the right fender of the vehicle;  and
(2)  the staff of the state flag should be clamped to the left fender of the vehicle.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.065. Display at Half-Staff

Sec. 3100.065.  DISPLAY AT HALF-STAFF.  (a)  If the state flag is to be displayed at half-staff, the flag should be hoisted to the peak of the flagpole for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position.
(b)  Before the state flag is lowered for the day, it should first be raised to the peak of the flagpole.
(c)  On Memorial Day, the state flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon and at that time raised to the peak of the flagpole.
(d)  The state flag should be displayed at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15, unless that date is also Armed Forces Day.
(e)  By order of the governor, the state flag shall be displayed at half-staff on a person's death as a mark of respect to the memory of that person.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.066. Carrying of State Flag: in General

Sec. 3100.066.  CARRYING OF STATE FLAG:  IN GENERAL.  The state flag should, when practicable, be carried aloft and free, not flat or horizontally.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.067. Carrying in Procession With Other Flags

Sec. 3100.067.  CARRYING IN PROCESSION WITH OTHER FLAGS.  (a)  If the state flag is carried in a procession with another flag, other than the flag of the United States, the state flag should be on the marching right.  If there is a line of other flags in the procession, the state flag should be in front of the center of that line.
(b)  If the flag of the United States is carried in a procession with the state flag, the flag of the United States should be on the marching right.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.068. Hoisting and Lowering; Passing in Parade or Review

Sec. 3100.068.  HOISTING AND LOWERING;  PASSING IN PARADE OR REVIEW.  (a)  The state flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
(b)  During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the state flag or if the flag is passing in a parade or in review:
(1)  each citizen of this state who is present and not in uniform should:
(A)  face the state flag and stand at attention with the person's right hand over the heart; and
(B)  if wearing a head covering that is easy to remove, remove the head covering with the right hand and hold it at the person's left shoulder, with the person's hand over the heart;
(2)  each person who is present and in uniform should make the military salute;
(3)  each person who is present, not in uniform, and a member of the armed forces or a veteran may make the military salute; and
(4)  each person who is present but not a citizen of this state should stand at attention.
(c)  The salute to the state flag in a moving column shall be made at the moment the state flag passes that person.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1968), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.069. State Flag as Feature of Unveiling Ceremony

Sec. 3100.069.  STATE FLAG AS FEATURE OF UNVEILING CEREMONY.  (a)  The state flag should form a distinctive feature of the ceremony of unveiling a statue or monument.
(b)  The state flag should not be used as the covering for the statue or monument.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.070. Limitations on Display

Sec. 3100.070.  LIMITATIONS ON DISPLAY.  (a)  The state flag should not:
(1)  touch anything beneath it, including the ground or floor;
(2)  be dipped to any person or thing, except as a mark of honor for the United States flag;
(3)  trail in water;
(4)  have placed on any part of it, or attached to it, any mark, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing;
(5)  be used or stored in a manner in which it can easily be soiled or damaged;
(6)  be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything;
(7)  be displayed on a float in a parade, except from a staff or in the manner provided by Section 3100.059;
(8)  be draped over the hood, top, side, or back of any vehicle, train, boat, or aircraft;
(9)  be used as bedding or drapery;
(10)  be festooned or drawn back or up in folds, but instead allowed to fall free;  or
(11)  be used as a covering for a ceiling.
(b)  Advertising should not be fastened to a flagpole, flagstaff, or halyard on which the state flag is displayed.
(c)  Bunting of blue, white, and red, arranged with the blue above, the white in the middle, and the red below, should be used instead of the state flag to cover a speaker's desk or to drape the front of a platform and for decoration in general.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.071. Authority of Governor

Sec. 3100.071.  AUTHORITY OF GOVERNOR.  By executive order published in the Texas Register, the governor may:
(1)  change or repeal any requirement relating to the display of the state flag provided by Sections 3100.051-3100.070;  or
(2)  prescribe additional requirements concerning the display of the state flag.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.072. Limitations on Governmental Subdivision or Agency

Sec. 3100.072.  LIMITATIONS ON GOVERNMENTAL SUBDIVISION OR AGENCY.  (a)  A governmental subdivision or agency may not enact or enforce a law that prohibits:
(1)  the display of:
(A)  a municipal flag;
(B)  the state flag;
(C)  the flag of another state of the United States;
(D)  the United States flag;  or
(E)  the flag of a nation other than the United States;  or
(2)  any conduct covered by this subchapter.
(b)  This section does not prohibit a governmental subdivision or agency from enacting or enforcing a law to protect the public health or safety.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter B. Display of State Flag › Section 3100.073. Folded State Flag

Sec. 3100.073.  FOLDED STATE FLAG.  (a)  The state flag should be folded as follows:
(1)  fold the flag in half lengthwise with the red stripe facing upward;
(2)  fold the flag in half lengthwise once more, concealing the red stripe on the inside of the fold;
(3)  position the flag with the white star facing downward and the blue stripe facing upward;
(4)  fold the corner with the white stripe to the opposite side of the flag to form a triangle;
(5)  continue folding the corners over in triangles until the resulting fold produces a blue triangle with a portion of the white star visible; and
(6)  secure all edges into the folds.
(b)  A folded state flag should be presented or displayed with all folded edges secured and with the blue stripe and a portion of the white star visible.
(c)  A folded state flag should be stored or displayed in a manner that prevents tearing or soiling of the flag.
Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 1218 (S.B. 1145), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter C. Pledge of Allegiance to State Flag › Section 3100.101. Pledge

Sec. 3100.101.  PLEDGE.  The pledge of allegiance to the state flag is: "Honor the Texas flag; I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and indivisible."
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 650 (H.B. 1034), Sec. 1, eff. June 15, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter C. Pledge of Allegiance to State Flag › Section 3100.102. Occasions at Which Pledge May Be Recited

Sec. 3100.102.  OCCASIONS AT WHICH PLEDGE MAY BE RECITED.  The pledge of allegiance to the state flag may be recited at any:
(1)  public or private meeting at which the pledge of allegiance to the United States flag is recited;  and
(2)  state historical event or celebration.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter C. Pledge of Allegiance to State Flag › Section 3100.103. Order of Recitation

Sec. 3100.103.  ORDER OF RECITATION.  The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States should be recited before the pledge of allegiance to the state flag if both are recited.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter C. Pledge of Allegiance to State Flag › Section 3100.104. Reciting Pledge

Sec. 3100.104.  RECITING PLEDGE.  If the pledge to the state flag is recited, each person who is present and:
(1)  not in uniform should:
(A)  face the state flag and stand at attention with the person's right hand over the heart;
(B)  if wearing a head covering that is easy to remove, remove that head covering with the right hand and hold it at the person's left shoulder, with the person's hand over the heart; and
(C)  recite the pledge;
(2)  not in uniform and a member of the armed forces or a veteran may make the military salute and recite the pledge; or
(3)  in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and make the military salute.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1968), Sec. 2, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3100 - State Flag › Subchapter D. Retirement of State Flag › Section 3100.151. Manner of Retirement

Sec. 3100.151.  MANNER OF RETIREMENT.  (a)  If a state flag is no longer used or useful as an emblem for display, it should be destroyed, preferably by burning, in a ceremony or another dignified way that emphasizes its honor as a fitting emblem for this state.
(b)  It is encouraged that retirement of the state flag be a public ceremony under the direction of uniformed personnel representing a state or national military service or a patriotic society, but the state flag may be retired in a private ceremony.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.001. State Seal

Sec. 3101.001.  STATE SEAL.  (a)  The state seal is as provided by Section 19, Article IV, Texas Constitution.
(b)  The reverse side of the state seal contains a shield displaying a depiction of:
(1)  the Alamo;
(2)  the cannon of the Battle of Gonzales;  and
(3)  Vince's Bridge.
(c)  The shield on the reverse side of the state seal is encircled by:
(1)  live oak and olive branches;  and
(2)  the unfurled flags of:
(A)  the Kingdom of France;
(B)  the Kingdom of Spain;
(C)  the United Mexican States;
(D)  the Republic of Texas;
(E)  the Confederate States of America;  and
(F)  the United States of America.
(d)  Above the shield is emblazoned the motto, "REMEMBER THE ALAMO," and beneath the shield are the words, "TEXAS ONE AND INDIVISIBLE."
(e)  A white five-pointed star hangs over the shield, centered between the flags.
(f)  The secretary of state by rule shall adopt the standard design for the state seal, including the reverse side of the seal.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.002. State Arms

Sec. 3101.002.  STATE ARMS.  (a)  The state arms are a five-pointed white star, on an azure background, encircled by olive and live oak branches.
(b)  The secretary of state by rule shall adopt the standard design for the state arms.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.003. Use of State Seal

Sec. 3101.003.  USE OF STATE SEAL.  A law that requires the use of the state seal does not require the use of the reverse of the state seal or the state arms.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.004. State Motto

Sec. 3101.004.  STATE MOTTO.  The state motto is "Friendship."
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.005. State Song

Sec. 3101.005.  STATE SONG.  The state song, "Texas, Our Texas" by William J. Marsh and Gladys Yoakum Wright, is as follows:
Texas, our Texas!  All hail the mighty State!
Texas, our Texas!  So wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, Withstanding ev'ry test;
O Empire wide and glorious, You stand supremely blest.
Refrain:
God bless you Texas!  And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth,
Thro'out the ages long.
Texas, O Texas!  Your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far.
Emblem of freedom!  It sets our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.
Refrain
Texas, dear Texas!  From tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes!  We come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.
Refrain
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.006. Performance of State Song

Sec. 3101.006.  PERFORMANCE OF STATE SONG.  (a)  During the performance of the state song:
(1)  when the state flag is displayed:
(A)  each citizen of this state who is present and not in uniform should:
(i)  face the flag and stand at attention with the person's right hand over the heart; and
(ii)  if wearing a head covering that is easy to remove, remove the head covering with the right hand and hold it at the person's left shoulder, with the person's right hand over the heart;
(B)  each person who is present and in uniform should make the military salute at the first note of the state song and retain that position until the last note;
(C)  each person who is present, not in uniform, and a member of the armed forces or a veteran may make the military salute at the first note of the state song and retain that position until the last note; and
(D)  each person who is present but not a citizen of this state should stand at attention; and
(2)  when the state flag is not displayed, each person present should face toward the music and act in the same manner as the person would if the state flag were displayed there.
(b)  The state song should be performed after the national anthem if both are performed.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 962 (S.B. 1968), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.007. State Bird

Sec. 3101.007.  STATE BIRD.  The state bird is the mockingbird.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.008. State Flower

Sec. 3101.008.  STATE FLOWER.  The state flower is the bluebonnet.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.009. State Tree

Sec. 3101.009.  STATE TREE.  The state tree is the pecan tree.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.010. Thrashing Pecans; Penalty

Sec. 3101.010.  THRASHING PECANS;  PENALTY.  (a)  A person commits an offense if the person causes pecans to fall from a pecan tree by any means, including by thrashing, unless the tree is located on:
(1)  land owned by the person causing the pecans to fall;
(2)  privately owned land, and the person causing the pecans to fall has the written consent of the owner, lessee, or authorized agent of the owner or lessee;
(3)  land owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state and in the boundaries of a municipality, and the person causing the pecans to fall has written consent from an officer or agent of the agency or political subdivision controlling the land or from the mayor of the municipality;  or
(4)  land owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state and outside the boundaries of a municipality, and the person causing the pecans to fall has written consent from an officer or agent of the agency or political subdivision controlling the property or from the county judge of the county.
(b)  An offense under this section is a misdemeanor and on conviction is punishable by:
(1)  a fine of not less than $5 or more than $300;
(2)  confinement in the county jail for a term not to exceed three months;  or
(3)  both a fine and confinement.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.011. State Plays

Sec. 3101.011.  STATE PLAYS.  The following plays are official state plays of Texas:
(1)  The Lone Star presented in Galveston Island State Park;
(2)  Texas presented in the Palo Duro Canyon State Park;
(3)  Beyond the Sundown presented at the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation;  and
(4)  Fandangle presented in Shackelford County.
Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, Sec. 7.001, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.012. Tejano Music Hall of Fame

Sec. 3101.012.  TEJANO MUSIC HALL OF FAME.  The Tejano Music Hall of Fame Museum in Alice is the official Texas Tejano Music Hall of Fame.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.022(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3101 - State Symbols › Section 3101.013. State Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Sec. 3101.013.  STATE BOTANICAL GARDEN AND ARBORETUM.  The state botanical garden and arboretum is the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 79 (H.B. 394), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3104 - Poet Laureate, State Musicians, State Historian, and State Artists › Subchapter A. Poet Laureate, State Musicians, and State Artists › Section 3104.001. Definitions

Sec. 3104.001.  DEFINITIONS.  In this chapter:
(1)  "Commission" means the Texas Commission on the Arts.
(2)  "Committee" means the Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician, and State Artist Committee.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.024(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Government Code › Title 11 - State Symbols and Honors; Preservation › Subtitle A - State Symbols and Honors › Chapter 3104 - Poet Laureate, State Musicians, State Historian, and State Artists › Subchapter A. Poet Laureate, State Musicians, and State Artists › Section 3104.002. Designating Poet Laureate, State Musicians, and State Artists

Sec. 3104.002.  DESIGNATING POET LAUREATE, STATE MUSICIANS, AND STATE ARTISTS. (a) The committee shall designate:
(1)  a Texas poet laureate;
(2)  a Texas state musician for the classical genre;
(3)  a Texas state musician for the nonclassical genre;
(4)  a Texas state artist for two-dimensional media; and
(5)  a Texas state artist for three-dimensional media.
(b)  The committee shall choose the poet laureate, state musicians, and state artists from a list of persons submitted by the commission.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1276, Sec. 9.024(a), eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 68 (S.B. 281), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.