H.B. No. 2969 aims to protect the constitutional rights of individuals applying for or holding a license to practice law in Texas. The bill introduces a new section, 81.02401, to the Government Code, which prohibits any rules, policies, or penalties that limit an applicant's ability to obtain or maintain a law license based on their sincerely held religious beliefs. Additionally, it prevents any burdens on the free exercise of religion, freedom of speech, membership in religious organizations, freedom of association, or freedom of assembly for applicants and state bar members.

The bill does allow for exceptions where a state bar rule or policy may impose limitations if it is essential to enforcing a compelling governmental purpose and is narrowly tailored to achieve that purpose, or if it restricts willful expressions of bias or prejudice in adjudicatory proceedings. Furthermore, individuals can assert violations of these protections as a defense in administrative hearings or judicial proceedings, with specific exclusions for allegations of sexual misconduct or criminal prosecution. The bill also permits individuals to seek injunctive relief for violations of these provisions.

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