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TexasSB 104989th Legislature Regular SessionSenate

Relating to excused absences from public school for the purpose of attending a released time course.

Sponsored By: James Frank, Phil King (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Education--Primary & Secondary--Admission & AttendanceEducation--Primary & Secondary--Charter SchoolsEducation--School DistrictsReligion

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Schools face limits on supporting religious courses

Beginning September 1, 2025, the law limits Texas public school support for private religious courses during excused absences. Schools cannot use school funds to help provide these courses, except for very small costs. Private groups cannot offer courses on school property unless a neutral equal-access policy allows community groups to use it. Districts and open-enrollment charter schools must adopt these policies by January 1, 2026. These limits do not require households to make payments.

Kids get religious absences with responsibilities

Beginning September 1, 2025, Texas public school students get excused absences to attend religious classes offered by private groups. School districts and open-enrollment charter schools must allow one to five hours weekly when a parent or guardian requests it. Schools must adopt policies by January 1, 2026, requiring written parental consent. Course providers must keep attendance records and make them available to the school. The provider, parent, guardian, or student must handle transportation, including for students with disabilities. Providers must arrange for and accept liability for students in their care. Students remain responsible for schoolwork assigned during their absence. School policies cannot interfere with parents’ or guardians’ ability to request or access these courses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • James Frank

    House

  • Phil King

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 374 • No: 64

House vote • 5/28/2025

Record vote

Yes: 123 • No: 12

House vote • 5/27/2025

Record vote

Yes: 127 • No: 17

House vote • 5/27/2025

Record vote

Yes: 103 • No: 34

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/30/2025

Record vote

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Public Education

Yes: 11 • No: 1

Senate vote • Unknown

Committee vote: Education K-16

Yes: 10 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective on 9/1/25

    6/20/2025House

  2. Signed by the Governor

    6/20/2025House

  3. Sent to the Governor

    6/1/2025House

  4. Signed in the House

    6/1/2025House

  5. Signed in the Senate

    5/30/2025Senate

  6. Reported enrolled

    5/28/2025Senate

  7. House passage reported

    5/28/2025Senate

  8. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/28/2025House

  9. Record vote (RV#3934)

    5/28/2025House

  10. Passed

    5/28/2025House

  11. Laid out as postponed business

    5/28/2025House

  12. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/27/2025House

  13. Record vote (RV#3671)

    5/27/2025House

  14. Postponed (5/28/25 10:00 AM)

    5/27/2025House

  15. Read 3rd time

    5/27/2025House

  16. Statement(s) of vote recorded in Journal

    5/27/2025House

  17. Record vote (RV#3627)

    5/27/2025House

  18. Passed to 3rd reading

    5/27/2025House

  19. Read 2nd time

    5/27/2025House

  20. Placed on General State Calendar

    5/24/2025House

  21. Considered in Calendars

    5/22/2025House

  22. Committee report sent to Calendars

    5/20/2025House

  23. Committee report distributed

    5/19/2025House

  24. Comte report filed with Committee Coordinator

    5/19/2025House

  25. Reported favorably w/o amendment(s)

    5/16/2025House

Bill Text

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