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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to verification of excused absences from public school for |
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the purpose of observing religious holy days. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Section 25.087, Education Code, is amended by |
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adding Subsection (f) to read as follows: |
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(f) For purposes of excusing a student from attending school |
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to observe a religious holy day under Subsection (b)(1)(A), a |
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school district: |
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(1) may not require documentation from a clergy member |
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or other religious leader; and |
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(2) shall accept a note from the student's parent or |
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person standing in parental relation verifying the purpose of the |
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student's absence. |
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SECTION 2. This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024 |
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school year. |
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SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives |
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a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as |
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provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this |
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Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this |
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Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |