Voluntary School Prayer Protection Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
Introduced
Summary
Protects voluntary school prayer. This bill would make Department of Education funding for state and local education agencies conditional on policies that allow constitutionally protected, voluntary prayer and would prohibit anyone from being required to participate in or shape that prayer.
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- Students and families: Reinforces the right to pray voluntarily in public schools and bars schools from requiring participation or forcing students to lead or shape prayers.
- Local school districts and state education agencies: Could lose Department of Education funds if they have policies that deny or effectively prevent voluntary school prayer.
- Department of Education and federal funding: Creates a funding-eligibility rule tied to school prayer policies and allows the Department to withhold federal education funds for noncompliant agencies.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
School funds tied to voluntary prayer rules
If enacted, the Department of Education would withhold funds from any state or school district that bars or effectively prevents voluntary, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools. This would apply to all Department of Education grants, regardless of other laws, and would take effect upon enactment. Districts that keep such policies could lose federal money, which could reduce programs or services. Parents and school staff might see changes if funding is cut.
No forced prayer in public schools
If enacted, no one in public schools would be required to take part in prayer or to help shape the words of a prayer. This would apply to constitutionally protected prayer and would take effect upon enactment. Students and school staff would be protected from being forced to join or influence a prayer.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
NC • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov