Students in Texas public schools could soon see the Ten Commandments displayed in every classroom after lawmakers advanced a controversial bill.

According to the Daily Caller, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill Sunday that would mandate the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, sending it to Governor Greg Abbott for final approval.

Senate Bill 10, approved in an 88-49 vote by the Texas House, requires all public elementary and secondary schools across the state to prominently display the Ten Commandments. The text of the commandments must match the version set forth in the legislation.

The bill specifies that each display must measure at least 16 inches by 20 inches. Schools may use either privately donated materials or school district funds to ensure compliance with the law.

SB 10 cleared the Texas Senate earlier in March in a 20-11 vote, largely along party lines. The bill’s advancement through both chambers positions Texas to become the largest state to require such religious displays in public schools.

Supporters say the measure reflects American heritage

During debate over the proposal, supporters framed the measure as a way to underscore shared moral principles and historical values that have shaped both Texas and the nation.

Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who made SB 10 a priority for the legislative session, praised the move by lawmakers. Patrick said the commandments serve as a “foundational moral compass” for students, just as they did for the country’s early leaders.

State Sen. Phil King, lead author of the bill, argued the Ten Commandments are part of the cultural and civic identity of the state. He emphasized the importance of their presence in educational environments.

Democrats oppose the bill, raise legal concerns

The bill was subject to extensive debate in the House, with Democratic lawmakers pushing for amendments that were ultimately rejected. Their concerns included potential violations of the First Amendment.

Opponents noted that the United States Supreme Court ruled in 1980 that mandatory Ten Commandments displays in schools were unconstitutional. The decision in Stone v. Graham struck down a similar law in Kentucky for promoting religion in public institutions.

SB 10 does not include any legal enforcement mechanism or create criminal penalties for noncompliance, according to an analysis by a House committee. Still, critics warned that school districts might face expensive litigation as a result of the legislation.

Implementation expected in the 2025–26 school year

If signed by the governor, the law is scheduled to take effect in the 2025–26 academic year. That gives school districts time to prepare classrooms with the required displays, using approved materials.

Governor Abbott has not yet stated whether the bill's pass. However, given his track record of backing socially conservative legislation, he is widely expected to sign it into law.

Legal challenges are likely to follow once the law is implemented. A similar law approved in Louisiana last year is currently tied up in court after multi-faith parents challenged its constitutionality.

Texas poised to set national precedent

As the largest state to consider such legislation, Texas could set a precedent with the implementation of SB 10. Advocates hope it will inspire other states to follow suit.

Meanwhile, groups opposed to the bill are preparing for what may become a lengthy series of court battles. They argue that required religious displays in classrooms blur the line between church and state.

The outcome of any legal challenge may be influenced by the current makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court. Future decisions could clarify or overturn existing precedent on religious symbols in public institutions.