TX SB965

Prohibits school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and state governmental entities from infringing on the right of public school employees to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty

Allows restrictions on employee religious speech or prayer only if the infringement is necessary to further a compelling state interest AND uses the least restrictive means to achieve that interest (strict scrutiny standard)

Adds new Section 22.012 to the Texas Education Code under Subchapter A, Chapter 22

Passed the Senate on April 1, 2025 (20-11 vote) and the House on May 23, 2025 (86-48 vote)

Takes effect immediately if approved by two-thirds of both chambers; otherwise takes effect September 1, 2025