Senate Backs Prayer Time, Ten Commandments in Classrooms

C APITAL Highlights 

The Texas Senate last week passed a bill to allow school districts to set aside time for in-school prayer and gave initial approval to requiring all schools to post a copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

The Austin American-Statesman reported that the two measures were priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over that chamber.

“Religious freedom is a bedrock principle upon which America was founded, recognizing our rights come directly from God, not the government,” Patrick said in a statement.

SB11 would give districts the option to schedule time each day for employees and students to pray or read “the Bible and other religious texts.” Anyone who participates would have to sign a waiver that they are taking part voluntarily and would not sue the district.

State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, DAustin, questioned whether the bill violates the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”

SB10 would require a copy of the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom.A similar measure in Louisiana has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge.

Bill Filed To Abolish Texas Parks And Wildlife Department A Waco lawmaker has filed a bill to abolish the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and transfer its duties to the Texas General Land Office, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Public Safety, the Houston Chronicle reported.

State Rep. Pat Curry, R-Waco, filed the bill to disperse TPWD’s various duties but did not respond to requests for comment on what spurred filing the bill.

Under his proposal, the land office would take over parks, natural areas, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, historic sites, and other public land. The agriculture department would be in charge of conservation and management of native plants and wildlife, as well as hunting and fishing. DPS would manage all law enforcement duties, such as game wardens.

Employees of TPWD would be transferred to the agencies overseeing the new duties. TPWD sent an emailed statement, saying in part: “Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is proud of the important role our agency plays in managing Texas land and waters in coordination with our partners and private landowners to provide for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. Our 89 state parks welcome more than 9 million visitors each year.”

Paxton Mulling Run Against Cornyn In 2026 

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is raising money for a possible primary challenge against U.S. Sen. John Cornyn next year, the Chronicle reported.

“I think I can win if I have $20 million,” Paxton, 62, told Punchbowl News.

Cornyn, 73, spent more than $36 million on his 2020 successful re-election campaign and had $4 million in his campaign account when the year began. He is completing his fourth sixyear term as a U.S. senator.

While Cornyn has never won less than 75% in previous Senate primaries, Paxton says he’s vulnerable.

“I think it’s just time,” Paxton said. “He’s had his chance. He hasn’t performed well and the voters know it. You can go a long time without people paying attention, and they’re paying attention now.”