S.B. No. 2986 amends the Education Code to allow religious organizations to use public school and institution of higher education facilities for religious activities, such as worship services and assemblies, under specific conditions. The bill stipulates that the use of these facilities must not interfere with the primary educational mission of the institution, and the religious organization must provide fair market rental value or reimburse costs related to the use of the facilities. Additionally, the organization must agree to be liable for any damages incurred during their use and must adhere to the same rental terms as nonreligious organizations. The bill also clarifies that governmental entities cannot impose penalties or deny funding based on a school district's or institution's decision to allow such use.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that a religious organization's use of school facilities would be considered interfering with the educational mission if it occurs during regular school hours, involves promotional activities by school employees, or includes unauthorized displays on school property. Importantly, the legislation does not mandate that schools or institutions allow religious organizations to use their facilities if they choose not to. The changes will take effect on September 1, 2025, and will not affect existing contracts unless they are renewed or modified after that date.

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