88R2020 JTZ-D
 
  By: Jetton H.B. No. 1212
 
 
 
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.