House Bill No. 1425 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 must include a resolution that specifies the requirement for each campus. The bill outlines that participation in this period is voluntary and requires a signed consent form from a parent or guardian, which acknowledges the choice to participate and waives any legal claims against the school related to this policy.

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 also removes the language that previously allowed for the encouragement or coercion of students regarding prayer or meditation. The act requires school boards to vote on 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)