Houston-area lawmakers file bills to add nativity scene to Texas Capitol
Texas State Capitol building in Austin, Texas. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
AUSTIN - Two Texas lawmakers have filed bills looking to add a nativity scene to the state capitol during the holiday season.
What We Know: House Bill 1497 filed by state Rep. Briscoe Cain (R-Deer Park) and Senate Bill 515 filed by state Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston) will be up for consideration in the next legislative session.
The bills call for the State Preservation Board to place a nativity scene on the State Capitol grounds for "at least" the month of December each year.
If passed, the act would take effect next year.
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What They're Saying: "Religious liberties are enshrined in both our state and national constitutions," wrote Sen. Middleton in a news release earlier this month. "In the Christmas season, we reflect on one of the greatest moments in human history–the birth of Jesus Christ. Our nation and state were founded on Judeo-Christian values, and we can see many of Jesus’ teachings in our Constitution and laws. The nativity scene would join the longtime tradition of Christmas trees in both the Senate and House Chambers."
What's Next: Though the bills have been filed, there is no guarantee they will be put up for a vote.
The Texas Legislature's session begins on Jan. 14, 2025.