Texas Passes Bill To Allow Faith-Based Child Welfare Organizations To Exercise Religious Preference – But Still Hold State Contracts

On May 26, 2017, the Texas legislature passed a bill permitting faith-based foster care and adoption provider organizations holding state contracts and private child placing organizations to exercise religious preference for child placements, without legal retaliation. Social service provider organizations and professionals, including counselors and adoption and foster care provider organizations will be able to refuse service based on a “sincerely held religious belief.” Texas House Bill 3859 (HB3859) is slated to go into effect on September 1, 2017, unless vetoed by Governor Greg Abbott before June 15. [Editor's note: Governor Abbott signed the bill on June 15 . . .