The bill, H.B. No. 717, seeks to amend the Education Code by adding a new section, 22.012, which establishes the right of public school employees to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. The proposed legal language stipulates that this right cannot be infringed upon by school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, or other state governmental entities, except in cases where 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 emphasizes the protection of religious expression for school employees, ensuring that their rights are upheld unless there is a significant state interest that justifies any limitations. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature; otherwise, it will become effective on September 1, 2025.

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