Relating to persons authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony.

HB 1044 amends Texas law to add specific religious officiants authorized to conduct marriage ceremonies, including Buddhist monks/priests, Hindu pundits, Muslim imams, and Sikh granthis. The bill expands the existing list under Family Code Section 2.202, which previously allowed Christian ministers/priests, Jewish rabbis, and judges. This change directly affects couples seeking weddings in Texas who wish to use these newly authorized religious officiants. The law takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to ceremonies held on or after that date.