HB1310

Mississippi Open to Religion Act establishes policies for voluntary prayer and religious readings in public schools.

The Mississippi Open to Religion Act requires public school districts and nonsectarian public charter schools to adopt policies providing a daily opportunity for voluntary participation by students and employees in a period of prayer and the reading of the Bible or other religious texts. Participation is voluntary and requires prior written consent. The act also allows for a brief period of quiet reflection at the opening of school. It ensures that religious groups have the same access to school facilities as noncurricular groups and prohibits discrimination based on religious content.