Bill > SB380

This bill allows school districts and open-enrollment charter schools in Texas to establish a daily period for prayer and religious text reading, with several key provisions. Schools can adopt this policy through a formal board vote, but participation is strictly voluntary and requires signed consent from employees or students' parents/guardians. The consent form must acknowledge the voluntary nature of participation and include a waiver releasing the school from potential legal claims. The religious reading or prayer cannot be broadcast over a public address system, must not interfere with instructional time, and must be conducted in a manner that prevents students without consent from being exposed to the activity. The bill mandates that schools can provide this period before normal school hours, in classrooms where all participants have consented, or through other methods recommended by legal counsel. Participants can revoke their consent at any time, and the policy does not prevent individual students from privately praying or reading religious texts during non-designated times. The Texas Attorney General is required to provide guidance to schools implementing this policy and can defend schools against potential legal challenges. The bill will apply starting in the 2025-2026 school year and requires school boards to take a formal vote on adopting the policy within six months of the act's effective date.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB380