Texas Constitution:Article I, Section 7: Difference between revisions

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Sections 4 through 7 of Article I, including the recently adopted Section [[Texas Constitution:Article I, Section 6-a|6-a]], concern religion.
Sections 4 through 7 of Article I, including the recently adopted Section [[Texas Constitution:Article I, Section 6-a|6-a]], concern religion.


Note the partial overlap of this section with Article VII, Section [[Texas Constitution:Article VII, Section 5|5]], which prohibits use of the permanent or available school fund to support sectarian schools.
This section partially overlaps with Article VII, Section [[Texas Constitution:Article VII, Section 5|5]], which prohibits use of the permanent or available school fund to support sectarian schools.


The Texas Supreme Court has never addressed this section, which prohibits the state from using its money or property "for the benefit of" a religious group.
The Texas Supreme Court has never addressed this section, which prohibits the State from using its money or property to "benefit" a religious group.


The Texas Attorney General, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/1973/jh0066.pdf H-66] (1973), opined at length on the constitutionality of the [http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=534 Tuition Equalization Grant Program.]
Note that its unique text, which first appeared in a Texas constitution in 1876, is substantively similar to Section [https://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/historical/miconstitution1835.htm 5] of the 1835 Michigan Constitution.


However, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/2023/kp-0439.pdf KP-439] (2023), he recently opined that this section violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.
The Texas Attorney General, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/1973/jh0066.pdf H-66] (1973), opined at length on the constitutionality of the Tuition Equalization Grant Program.
 
And recently, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. [https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/sites/default/files/opinion-files/opinion/2023/kp-0439.pdf KP-439] (2023), he opined that this section generally violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.


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|seo_title=Article I, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution ("Appropriations for Sectarian Purposes")
|seo_title=Article I, Section 7 of the Texas Constitution ("Appropriations for Sectarian Purposes")
|seo_keywords=Article 1 Section 7, Texas Bill of Rights, religious appropriations
|seo_keywords=Article 1 Section 7, religious appropriations, Blaine Amendments
|seo_description=No money shall be appropriated, or drawn from the Treasury for the benefit of any sect, or religious society, theological or religious seminary.
|seo_description=No money shall be appropriated for the benefit of any sect, religious society or religious seminary.
|seo_image_alt=Texas Bill of Rights
|seo_image_alt=Texas Bill of Rights


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[[Category:Texas Bill of Rights]]
[[Category:Texas Bill of Rights]]
[[Category:Religion Law]]
[[Category:TxCon ArtI Sec]]
[[Category:TxCon ArtI Sec]]

Latest revision as of 14:06, June 22, 2025

Adopted February 15, 1876:

No money shall be appropriated, or drawn from the Treasury for the benefit of any sect, or religious society, theological or religious seminary; nor shall property belonging to the State be appropriated for any such purposes.

Editor Comments

Sections 4 through 7 of Article I, including the recently adopted Section 6-a, concern religion.

This section partially overlaps with Article VII, Section 5, which prohibits use of the permanent or available school fund to support sectarian schools.

The Texas Supreme Court has never addressed this section, which prohibits the State from using its money or property to "benefit" a religious group.

Note that its unique text, which first appeared in a Texas constitution in 1876, is substantively similar to Section 5 of the 1835 Michigan Constitution.

The Texas Attorney General, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. H-66 (1973), opined at length on the constitutionality of the Tuition Equalization Grant Program.

And recently, in Tex. Att'y Gen. Op. KP-439 (2023), he opined that this section generally violates the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment.

Attorney Steve Smith

Recent Decisions

None.

Historic Decisions

None.

Library Resources

Online Resources