TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2986

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2986

Filed
3/14/25  
Out of Senate Committee
4/24/25  
Voted on by Senate
4/30/25  
Out of House Committee
5/20/25  
Voted on by House
5/28/25  
Governor Action
6/20/25  

Caption

Relating to use by a religious organization of public school or institution of higher education facilities.

Impact

The enactment of SB2986 is poised to influence state laws regarding the intersection of education and religious activities. It outlines protections against penalties for educational institutions that choose to allow religious organizations to utilize their facilities, preventing state or local agencies from imposing sanctions or cutting funding based on these decisions. This legal framework explicitly affirms the right of educational institutions to make such choices without facing punitive repercussions, thereby potentially increasing access for religious organizations to public resources.

Summary

SB2986 establishes conditions under which public school districts and institutions of higher education in Texas may permit religious organizations to utilize their facilities for worship, services, and assemblies. The bill mandates that such use must not interfere with the educational mission of the institution, requiring the religious organization to pay fair market rental value and cover related utility costs. Additionally, it stipulates liability agreements for any potential damages incurred during the use of these facilities, ensuring that rental terms for religious organizations are consistent with those imposed on non-religious entities.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment towards SB2986 appears mixed. Supporters argue that the bill promotes religious freedom and allows for greater community engagement through the use of public facilities for worship. Conversely, opponents voice concerns that the bill may blur the lines between church and state, potentially leading to conflicts over the primary educational responsibilities of institutions. This highlights an ongoing debate regarding the rights of religious groups in public education settings and the preservation of secularism in state governance.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB2986 include the potential for disruptions to the primary educational functions of schools and concerns about preferential treatment for religious organizations over secular ones. Critics worry that the implementation of this bill could result in increased religious activity within academic environments, possibly interfering with students' learning experiences. Nevertheless, provisions established in the bill aim to mitigate these concerns by strictly regulating the conditions under which such uses are allowed, ensuring safeguarding of educational priorities.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

  • Chapter 11. School Districts
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  • Chapter 51. Provisions Generally Applicable To Higher Education
    • Section: New Section
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Latest TX SB2986 Activity

View All Events: TX 2025 - 89th Regular SB2986

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4058

Relating to the use of opioid antagonists on the campuses of public and private schools and institutions of higher education and at or in transit to or from off-campus school events.

TX SB17

Relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions of higher education.

TX HB3471

Relating to the general responsibility of public institutions of higher education and to protected expression and academic freedom at those institutions.

TX HB100

Relating to public education and public school finance, including the rights, certification, and compensation of public school educators, contributions by a public school to the Teacher Retirement System of Texas, and an education savings account program for certain children.

TX SB2335

Relating to the accreditation of public institutions of higher education.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB1

Relating to primary and secondary education, including the certification, compensation, and health coverage of certain public school employees, the public school finance system, special education in public schools, the establishment of an education savings account program, measures to support the education of public school students that include certain educational grant programs, reading instruction, and early childhood education, the provision of virtual education, and public school accountability.

TX HB5033

Relating to requiring public schools and public institutions of higher education to report data regarding certain arrests made on school or institution property.

TX HB8

Relating to public higher education, including the public junior college state finance program.

TX SB8

Relating to public education, including parental rights and public school responsibilities regarding instructional materials and the establishment of an education savings account program.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.