Lawmakers in the Texas House have passed three different pieces of legislation regarding prayer and the display of The Ten Commandments in government schools.
Senate Bill 11, filed by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston), was finally passed by lawmakers on Friday in an 88-48 vote.
The measure would allow for school districts or charter schools to pass a resolution that would allow both students and employees the chance to attend a time of prayer, Bible reading, or reading of other religious texts on school days.
The school districts’ boards of trustees are required to vote on the resolution within six months from the effective date of September 1, 2025.
“The bill reaffirms students’ existing rights to engage in voluntary, non-disruptive religious expression during the school day,” stated State Rep. David Spiller (R–Jacksboro) when laying out the proposal. “SB 11 is about protecting the freedom of those who choose to pray, and just as importantly, protecting the rights of those who choose not to.”
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 10 would require the clear display of The Ten Commandments in government elementary and secondary schools. No government-run school would be exempt from the proposal.
SB 10, authored by State Sen. Phil King (R–Weatherford), was originally set for debate on Wednesday. After a point of order was raised against the bill, arguing a deficiency in the witness list accompanying it, it was sent back to the committee. That error was quickly fixed and the bill was placed again on Saturday’s House calendar.
House members gave initial approval to SB 10 on Saturday in 88-49 vote.
Both SB 10 and SB 11 are top priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.
“Religious freedom is a bedrock principle upon which America was founded, recognizing our rights come directly from God, not the government,” stated Patrick, after senators passed SB 11 in March. “I prioritized SB 11 to make sure religious freedom is not infringed upon in Texas, ensuring our students and educators have the right to pray on school grounds.”
Lawmakers also passed Senate Bill 965 on Friday, which would amend the Texas educational code to allow all employees of government-run schools and charter schools to engage in religious speech or prayer while at work.
