S.B. No. 965 amends the Education Code by adding Section 22.012, which establishes the right of public school employees, including those at school districts and open-enrollment charter schools, to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. The bill stipulates 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 is set to take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from all elected members in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025. This legislation aims to protect the religious expression of school employees while balancing the need for state interests.

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