The bill, S.B. No. 380, proposes the addition of Section 25.0823 to the Education Code, which mandates that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools provide a daily period for prayer and the reading of the Bible or other religious texts. This policy can be adopted through a record vote by the school board or governing body and requires that students and employees have the option to participate, contingent upon the submission of a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. The bill outlines specific prohibitions, including the requirement that participation must be voluntary and cannot interfere with instructional time, and it also stipulates that no prayer or reading can be conducted over public address systems.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 25.901 to clarify that students have the right to pray or meditate individually and silently during school hours without disruption. It removes the language that previously encouraged or coerced students regarding their participation in prayer. The bill requires school boards to vote on the adoption of the new policy within six months of its enactment and is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, unless it receives immediate approval from two-thirds of the legislature.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 25.901 (Education Code 25)