By Representative David Spiller
1-27-25: Rep. David Spiller Files Legislation Allowing Religious Freedom in Public Schools
State Representative David Spiller proudly introduced two critical pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening the role of faith and moral education in Texas public schools. A strong advocate for religious liberty and family values, Spiller has made HB 1425 and HB 2116 a priority for the 89th Legislative Session.
HB 1425 would provide students and school employees with a daily opportunity to participate in a period of prayer and the reading of the Bible or other religious texts. The bill allows school districts and charter schools to adopt a policy for this practice while ensuring the rights of all students and employees to freely choose participation. It is important to note, HB 1425 has safeguards in place to protect individual freedom of choice. It ensures that students and employees who do not wish to participate in the period of prayer or religious text reading are not compelled to do so. A consent form will be required for participation, which acknowledges that the choice to join in this practice is voluntary and that no student or employee will face any form of coercion.
HB 2116 would require that all public elementary and secondary schools in Texas display a durable and legible copy of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous location within each classroom. This measure is designed to remind students of the moral foundations that have shaped our nation’s laws and values for centuries.
“Displaying these principles in every classroom provides students with the opportunity to reflect on core moral values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility—values that are essential for the future of our state and our nation,” said Representative Spiller.
Other Updates
• I’m proud to have voted to amend the rules in the Texas House to ban the practice of Democrats holding committee chairs. As I’ve consistently stated many, many times, I don’t support Democrat chairs, I’ve never supported Democrat chairs, I’ve never voted for Democrat chairs, and we’re not going to have Democrat chairs this session. While I support the protection of the rights of the minority party to fairly express their views and positions, I’m not in favor of granting the minority party additional power – especially when the grant of that power adversely effects the ability to advance and defend principles, values and beliefs of the people of HD 68 and the State of Texas.
• The Texas House and Senate have released their budget proposals for the 2026-2027 biennium. The Senate budget totaling at $332.9 billion and the House budget totaling at $335.7 billion. Every legislative session, the House and Senate alternate leadership roles in the budget process. For the 89th Session, the Senate is taking the lead on the base budget while the House will begin with the supplemental appropriations bill.
• Gov. Greg Abbott asked Congress to reimburse the State of Texas for billions of dollars in taxpayer money spent on the border security. This as no surprise as Texas stepped up to the plate when the Biden Administration failed to do so. I applaud Governor Abbott and his continuous efforts to make border security a number one priority.