Tennessee SB1957 allows school board members to recite a personal prayer at the start of public meetings, provided it is non-coercive.

Tennessee SB1957, known as the Tennessee Religious Freedom Act, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to permit school board members to open meetings with a personal prayer. The act ensures that the prayer is non-coercive, meaning no one is required to participate, and no one is harassed or coerced into participating. This change aligns with recent Supreme Court decisions that recognize the permissibility of sectarian prayers in public settings. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Tennessee SB1957 allows school board members to recite a personal prayer at the start of public meetings, provided it is non-coercive.

Tennessee SB1957, known as the Tennessee Religious Freedom Act, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to permit school board members to open meetings with a personal prayer. The act ensures that the prayer is non-coercive, meaning no one is required to participate, and no one is harassed or coerced into participating. This change aligns with recent Supreme Court decisions that recognize the permissibility of sectarian prayers in public settings. The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.