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Bill

HB 931

Relating to the creation and dissolution of a covenant marriage.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Cody Vasut

HB 931 would allow Texas couples to opt into "covenant marriage" with stricter, more burdensome dissolution requirements than standard divorce.

Referred to s/c on Family & Fiduciary Relationships by Speaker
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #covenantmarriage(s0048) #countygovernment--employees/officers(i0095) #divorce(s3940) #family--marriagerelationship(i0350) #marriagelicenses(s0031) #professionalcounselors(s0714)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 931

Legislative bill overview

HB 931 would create a new "covenant marriage" option in Texas law, a legal framework where couples voluntarily enter into marriage with stricter dissolution requirements than standard marriages. The bill also establishes specific procedures for how covenant marriages can be dissolved, which typically involve longer waiting periods and/or mandatory counseling compared to no-fault divorce.

Why is this important

This bill addresses divorce policy at a fundamental level, affecting how readily couples can exit marriages and what obligations they must fulfill. It reflects broader debates about marriage permanence, family stability, and whether the state should incentivize certain approaches to marriage commitment through law.

Potential points of contention

  • Religious vs. secular governance: Covenant marriage originates from religious traditions and some view it as imposing religiously-influenced values through state law, while others see it as simply offering more options
  • Fault-based vs. no-fault divorce: The bill may reintroduce fault-based elements (blame assignment) into divorce proceedings, which some argue increases acrimony and litigation costs while others believe it protects against frivolous dissolution
  • Access and equity concerns: Stricter dissolution requirements could disproportionately affect those with fewer resources to navigate prolonged divorce processes, or conversely, could protect vulnerable spouses depending on implementation details

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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