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TX SB11

TX SB11
Relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.

summary

Introduced
02/10/2025
In Committee
05/10/2025
Crossed Over
03/18/2025
Passed
06/20/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/20/2025

Introduced Session

89th Legislature Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT relating to a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious text in public schools.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a framework for optional prayer and religious text reading periods in Texas public schools and open-enrollment charter schools. School districts can adopt a policy allowing a daily period for prayer and reading of religious texts, but participation requires explicit written consent from parents or employees, which can be revoked at any time. The policy must ensure that students or employees without consent are not exposed to prayers or readings, which can be accomplished by conducting these activities before school hours, only in classrooms where all participants have consented, or through other methods recommended by legal counsel. The bill prohibits broadcasting prayers over public address systems and specifies that such periods cannot replace instructional time. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language about students' rights to pray, removing the word "encourage" from provisions about student prayer. The attorney general is required to provide guidance to schools implementing this policy and can defend schools against potential legal challenges. School districts must take a formal vote on adopting such a policy within six months, and the provisions will take effect during the 2025-2026 school year. Importantly, the bill includes a waiver mechanism that requires participants to acknowledge their voluntary participation and release the school from potential legal claims related to the policy.

Committee Categories

Education, Government Affairs

Sponsors (52)

Paul Bettencourt (R)*,  Brian Birdwell (R)*,  Donna Campbell (R)*,  David Cook (R)*,  Brandon Creighton (R)*,  Pete Flores (R)*,  Brent Hagenbuch (R)*,  Bob Hall (R)*,  Kelly Hancock (R)*,  Adam Hinojosa (R)*,  Joan Huffman (R)*,  Bryan Hughes (R)*,  Phil King (R)*,  Lois Kolkhorst (R)*,  Mayes Middleton (R)*,  Robert Nichols (R)*,  Tan Parker (R)*,  Dennis Paul (R)*,  Angela Paxton (R)*,  Charles Perry (R)*,  Charles Schwertner (R)*,  Kevin Sparks (R)*,  David Spiller (R)*,  Daniel Alders (R),  Trent Ashby (R),  Keith Bell (R),  Briscoe Cain (R),  Pat Curry (R),  Cody Harris (R),  Caroline Harris Davila (R),  Richard Hayes (R),  Hillary Hickland (R),  Janis Holt (R),  Andy Hopper (R),  Carrie Isaac (R),  Helen Kerwin (R),  Mitch Little (R),  John Lujan (R),  John McQueeney (R),  Will Metcalf (R),  Brent Money (R),  Candy Noble (R),  Mike Olcott (R),  Jared Patterson (R),  Katrina Pierson (R),  Keresa Richardson (R),  Joanne Shofner (R),  Shelby Slawson (R),  Steve Toth (R),  Ellen Troxclair (R),  Cody Vasut (R),  Wesley Virdell (R), 

Last Action

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

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