US EditionPrayer Period in Schools Backed by Texas Legislature
- On May 22, 2025, the Texas House approved Senate Bill 11 in Austin to allow voluntary daily prayer or religious reading time in public schools and charters.
- The bill emerged following a 2019 Supreme Court ruling favoring religious expression and aims to clarify religious freedom amid legal uncertainties for schools.
- Senate Bill 11 mandates local school boards to vote on implementing a non-class-time prayer period, requiring signed consent from parents or staff, with opt-out options.
- The House passed the bill 91-51 after debates where supporters cited religious liberty and local control, while opponents raised concerns about church-state separation and coercion.
- The bill will take effect September 1, 2025, and is expected to expand religious expression in schools, though critics worry it could undermine constitutional protections and inclusiveness.
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Texas StandardReposted by 
Houston Public Media
Houston Public MediaSchool prayer, Bible-reading bill authored by Houston-area senator passes Texas House
The House gave its preliminary approval to Senate Bill 11, written by state Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), on Thursday afternoon. If it passes its third and final reading, it will go to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.
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Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution79% Center
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C 79%
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