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 the chamber without objection.

The chamber approved a concurrent resolution, SCR 14, giving either house of the Legislature permission to adjourn for more than three days beginning Thursday, Feb. 13, and ending Tuesday, Feb. 18. The clerk called the roll on that measure; the result was 29 ayes, 0 nays, and the resolution was adopted.

On procedure, the Senate read two bills on first reading and referred them to committee: Senate Bill 10 (by Senator King et al.) relating to the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, and Senate Bill 11 (by Senator Middleton et al.) relating to a period of prayer and reading of religious text in public schools. The measures were listed on first reading and sent to Education K–16 (committee reference shown in the reading).

The Senate also received a message from the governor transmitting nominations for multiple boards and positions; the message was read into the record and referred to the chamber’s nominations process.

Finally, the Dean of the Senate moved — and the chamber approved without objection — an adjournment until 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12.

Votes at a glance - SR 47 (Bettencourt): Adopted (unanimous standing/voice vote; no roll call recorded). Resolution honored Daniel Cardinal DiNardo for service as pastor of the day. Motion to add all members’ names to the resolution was adopted prior to final adoption. - SR 45 (Hancock): Adopted (unanimous consent). Designates Feb. 2025 as Tarrant County Days at the Capitol; several Tarrant County officials and local electeds were introduced on the floor. - SR 85 (Parker): Adopted (unanimous consent). Welcomes the British Consul General and U.K. delegation. - SR 66 (Alvarado et al.): Adopted (unanimous consent). Recognizes University of Houston Day; Chancellor Renu Couture and regents were present. - SR 70 (Birdwell et al.): Adopted (unanimous consent). Recognizes Texas State Technical College Day and highlighted its campuses and workforce programs. - SR 63 (Hall): Adopted (unanimous consent). Recognizes Rockwall County Day at the Capitol. - SRs 41, 46, 64, 65, 68, 71: Adopted (unanimous consent; details not specified in the transcript beyond adoption). - SCR 14 (Zaffarini): Adopted by roll call, 29 ayes, 0 nays. Grants permission for either house to adjourn more than three days between Feb. 13–18, 2025. - SB 10 (King et al.): Read on first reading; referred to Education K–16 (first reading only). - SB 11 (Middleton et al.): Read on first reading; referred to Education K–16 (first reading only). - Message from the governor transmitting nominations: Read; referred to nominations process.

Context and significance The measures adopted were largely ceremonial and brought visiting officials, county delegations and higher-education leaders to the Senate floor for recognition. The two education bills placed on first reading would, if advanced, alter classroom practices concerning displays and prayer; on Feb. 11 they were only introduced and referred to committee, with no debate recorded on their merits. The roll-call adoption of SCR 14 (29–0) sets a temporary adjournment window for mid-February and was the only formal roll-call tally recorded in the transcript for the day.

What the record shows and what it does not The transcript records speakers’ remarks praising invited guests and institutions, the procedural votes and the first readings of bills. It does not record committee referral actions beyond the committee name shown at first reading, nor does it record any committee debate, amendments, or final committee actions on SB 10 or SB 11. For adopted resolutions, the record shows adoption by unanimous consent or voice vote except where a roll call was recorded (SCR 14).