By: Jetton, et al. H.B. No. 1212
(Senate Sponsor - Kolkhorst)
(In the Senate - Received from the House April 24, 2023;
April 24, 2023, read first time and referred to Committee on
Education; May 12, 2023, reported favorably by the following vote:
Yeas 13, Nays 0; May 12, 2023, sent to printer.)
Click here to see the committee vote
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to verification of excused absences from public school for
the purpose of observing religious holy days.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by
adding Subsection (f) to read as follows:
(f) For purposes of excusing a student from attending school
to observe a religious holy day under Subsection (b)(1)(A), a
school district:
(1) may not require documentation from a clergy member
or other religious leader; and
(2) shall accept a note from the student's parent or
person standing in parental relation verifying the purpose of the
student's absence.
SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024
school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
Act takes effect September 1, 2023.
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