H.B. No. 1212
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.
______________________________ ______________________________
President of the Senate Speaker of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1212 was passed by the House on April
20, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 148, Nays 0, 1 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
I certify that H.B. No. 1212 was passed by the Senate on May
15, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.
______________________________
Secretary of the Senate
APPROVED: _____________________
Date
_____________________
Governor