H.B. No. 2696 mandates that public elementary and secondary schools in Texas display the Ten Commandments in each classroom. The bill introduces a new section, 1.0041, to the Education Code, which specifies that the display must consist of a durable poster or framed copy that is at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, and the text must be legible from anywhere in the classroom. The exact wording of the Ten Commandments is provided in the bill, ensuring that no additional content is included. Schools that do not have the required display must accept privately donated copies that meet these specifications and are encouraged, but not required, to purchase copies using district funds.

The bill also clarifies that no public school is exempt from this requirement, regardless of any other laws. The implementation of this act is set to begin with the 2025-2026 school year, and it will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds majority vote in both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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