News Release
For Immediate Release: 5.28.25
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Texas Legislature Passes Bill Allowing Students to Attend Off-Campus Religious Instruction for Course Credit
The proposed policy allows students to earn up to two units of high school credit for completing religious instruction during the release-time program.
Austin, TX—Today, the Texas State House passed SB1049, legislation that authorizes high school students to participate in religious instruction for course credit. The legislation is similar to proposals in other states that welcome religious instruction giving students options for a broad education. The bill, which already passed the state Senate, now goes to Governor Greg Abbott.
“Release-time programs are clearly constitutional and have been highly successful in states across the nation,” said Matt Krause, Of Counsel to First Liberty Institute. “This bill puts parents in the driver’s seat of educational opportunities. We look forward to the bill reaching Governor Abbott’s desk and becoming law.”
LifeWise Academy is an organization that works with public schools to integrate a Bible class into students’ weekly schedule during school hours. The LifeWise curriculum takes a student through a survey of the entire Bible over a five-year period and incorporates life lessons and character qualities.
In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court determined in Zorach v. Clauson that teaching the Bible during the public-school day was constitutional and therefore legal in all 50 states, as long as such programs meet three conditions: The program must be held off site of school premises, no government funds can be used for the program, and parental permission is required for child’s participation.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
To arrange an interview, contact John manning at media@firstliberty.org or by calling 972-941-4453.
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