The proposed bill, titled the Florida Religious Liberty Awareness and Activation Act, aims to enhance religious expression and protect the rights of students, parents, and school personnel in K-12 schools. It prohibits school districts from discriminating against individuals based on their religious viewpoints and ensures that students can express their religious beliefs in coursework, wear religious symbols, and engage in religious activities without facing penalties or rewards based on the religious content of their work. Additionally, the bill allows students to organize religious groups and mandates that school districts provide equal access to facilities for religious gatherings, similar to secular groups.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to require the national anthem to be played at the beginning of each school day and mandates a public awareness campaign regarding the display of the state motto, "In God We Trust." It also requires school districts to adopt a limited public forum policy for student speakers at school events, ensuring that religious viewpoints are not excluded. The Department of Education is tasked with developing a model policy for religious expression in public schools, which each district school board must implement. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1504 Filed: 1003.44