Texas Senate adopts multiple ceremonial resolutions, reads bills on school prayer and prayer periods

The Texas Senate on Feb. 11 adopted a bundle of ceremonial resolutions honoring visiting religious and civic leaders, county delegations and higher-education institutions, and read two bills on religion in public schools on first reading.

Senators unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 47 honoring Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, retired archbishop of the Archdiocese of Galveston–Houston, who served as pastor of the day at the Capitol. Senator Bettencourt said DiNardo’s homilies “relate the scripture of the New Testament…to what’s really important,” and added, “Daniel DiNardo has quite a sense of humor.” The chamber rose to adopt the measure and invited the cardinal and his party to the floor after the vote.

The session also adopted a series of other guest- and institution-focused resolutions: Senate Resolution 45 recognizing Tarrant County Days at the Capitol; Senate Resolution 85 welcoming the British Consul General and a United Kingdom delegation; Senate Resolution 66 designating Feb. 11 as University of Houston Day; Senate Resolution 70 designating Feb. 11 as Texas State Technical College Day; and Senate Resolution 63 recognizing Rockwall County Day. Several additional resolutions (SR 41, 46, 64, 65, 68 and 71) were adopted by…