CS/HB 303 Summary

• Adds new subsection (25) to Florida Statute 1002.20 establishing religious liberty rights for K-12 students in public schools, with enforcement available under chapter 761 (Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1998)

• Prohibits schools from penalizing or rewarding students based on religious content in coursework, artwork, or assignments; requires evaluation based on academic standards regardless of religious content

• Authorizes students to wear religious jewelry and organize prayer groups, religious clubs, and religious gatherings on the same basis as secular groups, with equal access to school facilities for meetings and equal advertising rights

• Requires school districts to annually distribute federal Department of Education guidelines on religious expression and prohibits preventing school personnel from participating in student-initiated voluntary religious activities at reasonable times before or after school

• Takes effect July 1, 2017