LA SB402

Creates the "Preservation of Religious Education Act" to prohibit government educational agencies from discriminating against church-affiliated schools, religious educational institutions, or parents choosing religious education by imposing restrictions greater than those applied to public or secular nonpublic schools

Exempts all nonpublic elementary school prekindergarten programs (religious and secular) from daycare licensing requirements, fees, and inspections, matching exemptions already given to public schools and Montessori schools

Expands daycare licensing exemptions to include summer camps for children ages 3+ (down from 5+), religious camps regardless of age, after-school athletic and tutoring programs, and mother's day out programs at churches

Requires nonpublic prekindergarten programs seeking BESE approval to submit sustained curriculum evidence, obtain parent acknowledgment that the facility is not a licensed daycare, develop enhanced safety plans, and ensure criminal background checks for all staff

Authorizes BESE to adopt emergency rules to implement the act and avoid school or summer camp closures in the 2026-2027 school year, effective upon governor's signature