The bill, S.B. No. 965, seeks to amend the Education Code by adding Section 22.012, which establishes the right of public school employees, including those in school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. The proposed legal language specifies that this right cannot be infringed upon by the school district, school, or any state governmental entity 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 emphasizes the protection of religious expression for school employees, ensuring that any limitations imposed must meet strict criteria. It also outlines the conditions under which the right to religious speech or prayer can be limited, thereby reinforcing the balance between individual rights and state interests in the educational environment. The act is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses of the legislature, or on September 1, 2025, if such a vote is not achieved.

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