In a contentious move sure to ignite both legal battles and national debate, the Texas House of Representatives gave final approval Sunday to Senate Bill 10, a piece of legislation requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state. The vote passed 82-46, marking a significant step toward making Texas the first state in recent history to mandate such a display statewide.
The bill now returns to the Senate for concurrence on amendments made in the House. If approved, it will head to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk, where he is widely expected to sign it into law.
A Politically Charged Amendment
One key amendment to SB 10, offered by Rep. Gina Hinojosa (D-Austin), ensures that the State of Texas—not individual school districts—will assume responsibility for defending and funding any legal challenges that arise. The amendment passed without opposition or a recorded vote, a rare moment of bipartisan agreement in an otherwise polarized debate.
"This amendment is common sense," Hinojosa said. "If the state is mandating this display, then the state should bear the consequences."
The amendment underscores the likelihood that SB 10 will face constitutional challenges. A similar law in Louisiana is currently on hold after a federal judge ruled it likely violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Legal experts believe the Texas law, if enacted, could eventually make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
A Commanding Controversy
SB 10, backed by Republican lawmakers, mandates that every public classroom display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments. The legislation includes no opt-out clause for schools, although it also does not spell out specific penalties for noncompliance.
Rep. Candy Noble (R-Lucas), the bill’s sponsor, argued that the Ten Commandments are a foundational moral document with deep roots in both American law and education.
"Nothing is more deeply rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments," Noble said. "The way we treat others as a society comes from the principles found in these commandments."
Supporters point to over 500 court cases where the Ten Commandments have been cited favorably. However, opponents argue the bill is a clear violation of the separation of church and state and opens the door to religious indoctrination in public schools.
Weekend Vote Sparks Irony and Debate
The debate surrounding SB 10 took on an ironic tone when Rep. James Talarico (D-Austin), a former schoolteacher and current seminary student, pointed out that the vote on the bill was taking place during the Sabbath—either Saturday for Jewish observers or Sunday for most Christians.
"The Fourth Commandment says, ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,’” Talarico noted during a floor exchange with Noble on Saturday.
He asked Noble what day the Jewish Sabbath falls on. “Saturday,” she replied.
“And what day is it today?” he followed up.
“It is Saturday,” she acknowledged, before adding, “Here we are.”
Later, Talarico continued the thread of irony. “Christian Sabbath is what day?” he asked Noble before Sunday’s final vote.
“Sunday, in honor of the day that Jesus rose from the dead,” Noble responded.
“And we’re scheduled to give this bill a final vote on what day of the week?” he asked.
“It’s ironic, isn’t it?” she replied.
Broader Religious Representation Rejected
Throughout the debate, Democrats offered amendments that would have required the inclusion of religious texts or principles from other faith traditions, such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, in an effort to provide more inclusive representation. All such amendments were rejected.
“The message this bill sends is clear: Christianity gets a special place in public schools,” said Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City). “That’s not religious liberty—that’s religious favoritism.”
What’s Next?
With just days left in the legislative session, the Senate must now decide whether to accept the House's changes. If the bill is finalized and signed into law, legal challenges are expected almost immediately.
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