SB 11 Allows Texas Public Schools to Set Time For Prayer

August 7, 2025 – Effective September 1, Senate Bill 11 permits Texas public schools to adopt policies allowing a voluntary daily period of prayer and religious reading for both students and school employees. Under this new law, districts can designate a set time during the school day for individuals to engage in silent or spoken prayer, Bible reading, or the reading of other religious texts, as long as participation remains entirely voluntary.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it protects religious freedom and provides an opportunity for spiritual reflection during the school day. They emphasize that the bill is designed to respect individual beliefs without imposing any particular faith on students or staff.

Schools that choose to implement the policy must make it clear that participation is not mandatory and that students cannot be pressured or coerced into taking part. The law aims to balance religious expression with constitutional safeguards, ensuring that no student is excluded or singled out based on their participation or beliefs.

Opponents of the bill have expressed concerns about the potential for peer pressure or unequal treatment of students from minority or non-religious backgrounds. However, state leaders argue that the voluntary nature of the policy addresses those issues.