EXECUTIVE ORDER
BYTIR
GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS
THE STATE OF'fEXAs
ExECUflVE DEPARTMENT
OmCE OF THE GoVERNOR
AUSTIN, TExAs
ExEcurIVE ORDER
GWB96-S
Relating to Faith-Based Conummity Service Graups
WHEREAS, the State of Texas seeks to create an environment which permits the
growth ofcommunity-based organizations that effectively meet the needs ofits citizens;
WHEREAS, the State of Texas has a long history of community outreach by
churches, synagogues, and other filith-based organintions that offer assistance to persons
in need;
WHEREAS, faith-based organizations continue to provide focused and effective
aid to persons in a wide variety ofcrisis situations;
WHEREAS, state laws and regulations, while ensuring that basic health and safety
standards are met, should not unreasonably restrict the chatitable activities of these faithbased organizJltions;
WHEREAS, other states have formally recognized, through statute and
administrative rule, the benefits that faith-based groups bring to communities in need; and
WHEREAS, Texas has no existing statute that explicitly recognizes or specifically
accommodates the work offaith-based community organizations.
NOW, lHEREFORE, 1, George W. Bush, Governor ofTexas, under the authority
vested in me, do hereby create and establish the Governor's Task Force on Faith-Based
Programs to serve in an advisory capacity to the Governor. This Task Force shall: (i)
examine the role of faith-based programs in Texas and determine how Texas can best
create an environment in which these organizations can flourish and most effectively help
those in need; (Ii) determine which state laws, regulations, or procedures impede the
effectiveness of such organizations; and (Iii) provide specific recommendations as to how
Texas law could best accommodate the programs and activities of the affected community
organizations. The TaslC Force will have no final action authority.
The Task Force shaI1 include members of religious organizations, persons afIlliated
with faith-bued programs, and community volunteers. The Task Force shaI1 convene at
the earliest practicable time after appointment and shaI1 accomplish its charge by
September I, 1996. It shaI1 submit to the Governor a written summary of its findings and
recommendations.
The Task Force shall meet as frequently as necessary upon call of the Chair. A
majority of the membership shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the
business of the Task Force.
The members of the Task Force shall serve without salary. Reasonable and
necessary travel and pee diem expenses may be reimbursed when such expenses are
incurred in direct performance of official duties; but such reimbursement shall not exceed
$80.00 pee day as permitted by Article IX, Section 33, of House Bill I, of the Texas
General Appropriations Act.
This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in full force
and effect until modified, amended, or rescinded by me.
day of
J
ANTONIO O. GARZA
Secretary of State
ALED IN THE OfACt Of THE
SEtl\EfAAY Of STAlE
MAY 02 1996