Dianne L. Hensley

Professional career

• Hensley has held the role of Justice of the Peace in Waco, Texas, since 2014
• The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued her a public warning in 2018, citing conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice

Education

Additional information

• In June 2026, a Travis County District Court ruled in her favor, awarding her over $640,000 in damages and attorneys’ fees.
• Her office is the busiest JP court in McLennan County, processing over 2,100 new civil cases in 2025.
• Hensley challenged this, arguing it violated her religious liberty rights.
• The court found her selective refusal to officiate same-sex weddings was protected under Texas law, recognizing her right to decline certain duties based on sincere religious beliefs.
• She handles a wide range of civil cases, including small claims, evictions, debt claims, occupational driver’s license matters, and tow hearings, with case values under $20,000.
• Before entering public service, Hensley had over 25 years in business and public policy, including roles as a land manager for an energy firm, owner of construction and fitness businesses, foreclosure work for a major bank, legislative services manager, and legislative liaison for Concerned Women for America of Texas.
• She and her husband Clayton have four children, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.