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Voters in Florida could have a chance to enshrine religious protections in schools in the Florida Constitution, the same protections already established in statute.
The measure, HJR 583, pitched as establishing a constant constitutional law as opposed to more-often-altered statutory law, passed the House Education Administration Subcommittee Wednesday. It has another committee date before heading to the full House.
Bill sponsor Rep. Chase Tramont, a Republican from Port Orange, called it “a very common-sense resolution.”
“All of this is in state statute right now, so it is current law. My argument would be that protecting religious liberty and expression is arguably the most necessary thing to do. Laws are constantly being shifted, repealed, amended, and all sorts of things that happen,” Tramont said during the first committee stop Wednesday.
Lawmakers are proposing language for voters to approve that would prohibit school districts from discriminating against students, parents, and school employees based on religious viewpoint.
“A school district shall treat a student’s voluntary expression of a religious viewpoint on an otherwise permissible subject in the same manner that the school district treats a student’s voluntary expression of a secular viewpoint,” it states in part.
Schools must allow religious expression in coursework, artwork, clothing, and prayer, as already protected under the 2017 Student and School Personnel Religious Liberties Act.
Tramont pointed out that the resolution does not mention any one religion and does include all faiths.
“That’s part of free speech — part of freedom of expression is the ability to be acceptance of all faiths,” Tramont said.
The resolution passed with one vote in opposition, Democratic Rep. Angie Nixon, who voiced concerns about how it could alter curriculum. She indicated a willingness to support the measure on the floor.
Devon Graham from American Atheists said the resolution is not necessary.
“The sponsors and supporters will say that nowhere in this bill is any specific religion mentioned, but this will just boost religious protections. This is not our first rodeo. This is all double speak that we’ve heard before,” Graham said during public comment.
Graham pointed to the 2021 measure that provides moment of silences in public schools, pitched initially as being a chance for self reflection and later lauded by the governor as a religious freedom measure and signed by him at a synagogue.
“Without supporting or discouraging student prayer, each public school must require teachers in first-period classrooms in all grades to set aside at least one minute, but not more than two minutes, daily for a moment of silence, during which a student may not interfere with other students’ participation,” the proposed amendment reads.
Graham also referenced DeSantis’ insistence that Satanists would not be permitted to participate in the school chaplain program passed in 2024 as “cherry-picking” religions.
SJR 1104, identical, has two committees to pass, too. It is sponsored by Sen. Ralph Massullo, a Republican from Lecanto.
For the joint resolution to be placed on the ballot, each chamber must approve it by a three-fifths vote.
The resolution, if passed, would be put on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026 election. It would require approval by at least 60% of voters to pass.
Of course, the U.S. Constitution provides religious protection, too. It requires teachers to remain neutral in treating religious matters in school.
Florida Phoenix is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Florida Phoenix maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Michael Moline for questions: [email protected].
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