House Bill No. 717 proposes an amendment to the Education Code of Texas, specifically adding Section 22.012, which establishes the right of public school employees to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. The bill stipulates that this right cannot be infringed upon by school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, or other state governmental entities unless the infringement is necessary to further a compelling state interest and is narrowly tailored using the least restrictive means to achieve that interest.

The bill aims to protect the religious expression of school employees, ensuring that their ability to engage in religious speech or prayer is safeguarded under specific conditions. If passed, the act would take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from all elected members of both houses; otherwise, it would become effective on September 1, 2025.

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