TX SB2986

School districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and institutions of higher education may allow religious organizations to use their facilities for worship, services, sermons, or assemblies under specified conditions

Religious organizations must pay fair market rental value or reimburse costs for utilities, security, and related expenses (unless waived), accept liability for damages, and follow the same rental terms as nonreligious organizations

Use is prohibited during regular school hours, and religious organizations cannot display signage, symbols, or materials outside their rental period; schools and employees cannot promote the religious organization's use of facilities

Government entities are prohibited from imposing penalties, sanctions, or denying funding to schools or institutions that allow religious organizations to use facilities in compliance with the law

Schools and institutions are not required to allow religious facility use and retain discretion to decline; the law takes effect September 1, 2025, and applies to contracts renewed, modified, or extended after that date