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TX HB717
TX HB717Relating to the right of a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.
summary
Introduced
11/12/2024
11/12/2024
In Committee
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Introduced Session
89th Legislature Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT relating to the right of a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.
AI Summary
This bill adds a new section to the Texas Education Code that protects public school employees' rights to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. Specifically, the bill states that school districts, charter schools, and other state governmental entities cannot infringe upon an employee's ability to express religious speech or pray during work hours, unless two strict conditions are met: (1) the infringement is necessary to further a compelling state interest, and (2) the limitation is narrowly tailored using the least restrictive means to achieve that compelling state interest. This means that school administrators would face significant legal barriers if they attempt to restrict an employee's religious expression. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in the Texas Legislature, or otherwise on September 1, 2025. The legislation appears designed to strengthen protections for religious freedom in public school settings, ensuring that employees can practice or express their religious beliefs while at work without fear of disciplinary action.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (43)
Jeff Leach (R)*,
Daniel Alders (R),
Trent Ashby (R),
Keith Bell (R),
Greg Bonnen (R),
Brad Buckley (R),
Briscoe Cain (R),
Giovanni Capriglione (R),
David Cook (R),
Pat Curry (R),
Jay Dean (R),
Mano DeAyala (R),
Mark Dorazio (R),
Brian Harrison (R),
Cole Hefner (R),
Hillary Hickland (R),
Andy Hopper (R),
Lacey Hull (R),
Carrie Isaac (R),
Helen Kerwin (R),
Marc LaHood (R),
Terri Leo-Wilson (R),
Mitch Little (R),
J.M. Lozano (R),
Don McLaughlin (R),
Will Metcalf (R),
Matt Morgan (R),
Candy Noble (R),
Mike Olcott (R),
Tom Oliverson (R),
Jared Patterson (R),
Dennis Paul (R),
Katrina Pierson (R),
Nate Schatzline (R),
Matt Shaheen (R),
Joanne Shofner (R),
Shelby Slawson (R),
David Spiller (R),
Valoree Swanson (R),
Ellen Troxclair (R),
Cody Vasut (R),
Wesley Virdell (R),
Trey Wharton (R),
Last Action
Referred to State Affairs (on 03/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB717 |
| BillText | https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/HB00717I.htm |
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