Texas Statutes
Chapter 45 - Protection of Rights of Conscience for Child Welfare Services Providers
Section 45.009. Effect on Rights; Construction of Law

Sec. 45.009. EFFECT ON RIGHTS; CONSTRUCTION OF LAW. (a) This chapter may not be construed to authorize a governmental entity to burden a person's free exercise of religion.
(b) The protections of religious freedom afforded by this chapter are in addition to the protections provided under federal or state law and the constitutions of this state and the United States.
(c) This chapter may not be construed to supersede any law of this state that is equally as protective of religious beliefs as, or more protective of religious beliefs than, this chapter.
(d) This chapter may not be considered to narrow the meaning or application of any other law protecting religious beliefs.
(e) This chapter may not be construed to prevent law enforcement officers from exercising duties imposed on the officers under the Family Code and the Penal Code.
(f) This chapter may not be construed to allow a child welfare services provider to decline to provide, facilitate, or refer a person for child welfare services on the basis of that person's race, ethnicity, or national origin.
(g) This chapter may not be construed to allow a child welfare services provider to deprive a minor of the rights, including the right to medical care, provided by Chapters 32, 263, and 266, Family Code.
(h) This chapter may not be construed to prohibit the department from:
(1) exercising its duty as the child's managing conservator to make decisions in the child's best interest; or
(2) obtaining necessary child welfare services from an alternate child welfare services provider.
Added by Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1152 (H.B. 3859), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.

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