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 students and employees with an opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and reading of the Bible or other religious texts each school day. The policy must be adopted through a record vote and requires a signed consent form from parents or guardians for students to participate. The bill outlines specific prohibitions, including the use of public address systems for prayers and ensuring that the prayer period does not interfere with instructional time. Additionally, it allows for the revocation of consent and stipulates that the period of prayer must be conducted in a manner that respects the rights of those who do not wish to participate.

The bill also amends Section 25.901 to clarify that students have the right to pray or meditate individually and silently without disruption, while removing language that previously encouraged or coerced participation in such activities. School boards are required to vote on the adoption of the new policy within six months of the bill's effective date, which is set to begin in the 2025-2026 school year. The act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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