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Bill

A 9246

Relates to authorizing Bible literacy courses in public schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dave DiPietro

Authorize public schools to offer Bible literacy courses to study the Bible as a historical, literary, and cultural text.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 9246

Summary of Bill A 9246 — Relates to authorizing Bible literacy courses in public schools

At a glance

  • Bill number: A 9246
  • Title: Relates to authorizing Bible literacy courses in public schools
  • Sponsor: David DiPietro (primary)
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Introduced: November 7, 2025
  • Legislative actions: On 2025-11-07, the bill was referred to Education (listed twice in the record)

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to authorize the offering of Bible literacy courses within public schools. The core intent appears to be enabling public school districts to provide instructional work focused on the Bible as a historical, literary, and cultural text. The measure aims to give students exposure to the content, context, and impact of the Bible in world history, literature, and religious studies.

Key provisions (as available)

  • Authorization: Enables public schools to offer Bible literacy courses.
  • Scope and framing: The exact content, curriculum standards, and instructional approach are not specified in the available information.
  • Oversight and governance: The summary does not include details on who would approve curricula, required teacher qualifications, or oversight mechanisms.
  • Opt-out and rights: No information is provided about parental opt-out provisions, student exemptions, or accommodations.
  • Eligibility and funding: No dollar figures, funding sources, or budgetary implications are provided in the available data.
  • Accountability: No assessment, reporting, or performance metrics are described in the provided information.

Note: The current record does not include the bill’s text, so specific provisions, safeguards, and implementation requirements remain unclear.

Affected parties

  • Public school students who choose to enroll in Bible literacy courses (assuming elective offerings).
  • School districts and school boards responsible for implementing and staffing approved courses.
  • Teachers and instructors who would be qualified and assigned to deliver the curriculum.
  • Parents and guardians, who may have rights related to opt-out or parental notification, depending on final text.

Timeline and process

  • Introduced: November 7, 2025.
  • Action to date: Referred to Education (with two entries indicating the same referral date).
  • Next steps: The bill would need to pass the Education Committee, then move to the full chamber for consideration, vote, and potential passage to the other house (as applicable) for further steps in the legislative process. Final provisions, deadlines, and any potential amendments would be clarified in the committee and floor actions.

Legal and policy considerations

  • Constitutional framework: Bills authorizing religious content in public schools typically require careful alignment with the Establishment Clause to avoid endorsement of religion; many reform efforts emphasize secular, academically rigorous treatment of religious texts.
  • Equity and inclusion: Implementation would need to address diverse student beliefs and ensure non-proselytizing instruction, with clear boundaries on religious instruction versus secular study of religion.

Questions for stakeholders

  • Will the course be elective or required?
  • What standards, curriculum guidance, and teacher qualifications would apply?
  • What opt-out, parental notification, and accommodation mechanics will be included?
  • How will funding, materials, and professional development be provided?

This summary presents information available from the bill’s basic record. The full bill text will be necessary to confirm exact provisions, safeguards, and implementation details.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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