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Bill > SB965

TX SB965

TX SB965
Relating to the right of a public school employee to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.

summary

Introduced
01/29/2025
In Committee
05/12/2025
Crossed Over
04/01/2025
Passed
06/20/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/20/2025

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 prevents school districts, charter schools, and other state government entities from infringing on an employee's right to express religious speech or pray during work hours, unless such restriction meets two strict legal criteria: (1) the infringement is necessary to further a "compelling state interest" and (2) the restriction is "narrowly tailored" using the least restrictive means to achieve that interest. This means that school administrators would face a high legal standard if they want to limit an employee's religious expression, essentially providing strong protection for teachers, staff, and other school employees who wish to engage in personal religious speech or prayer during their work day. The bill would take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers, or on September 1, 2025, if it does not receive the immediate effect vote.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (50)

Paul Bettencourt (R)*,  Donna Campbell (R)*,  Brandon Creighton (R)*,  Bob Hall (R)*,  Adam Hinojosa (R)*,  Lois Kolkhorst (R)*,  Jeff Leach (R)*,  Mayes Middleton (R)*,  Tan Parker (R)*,  Angela Paxton (R)*,  Daniel Alders (R),  Greg Bonnen (R),  Brad Buckley (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  Giovanni Capriglione (R),  David Cook (R),  Pat Curry (R),  Mano DeAyala (R),  Mark Dorazio (R),  Pete Flores (R),  Brian Harrison (R),  Cole Hefner (R),  Hillary Hickland (R),  Andy Hopper (R),  Lacey Hull (R),  Carrie Isaac (R),  Helen Kerwin (R),  Phil King (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),  Shelby Slawson (R),  David Spiller (R),  Valoree Swanson (R),  Ellen Troxclair (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Wesley Virdell (R),  Trey Wharton (R), 

Last Action

Effective on 9/1/25 (on 06/20/2025)
(2 Companion Bills)

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